Can a Sikh Sardar Ever be a Traitor? Sirsa Responds to Rahul Gandhi's Comments on Bittu
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
New Delhi, Feb 4 (NationPress) Delhi Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa vehemently criticized Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi for labeling Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu as a 'traitor', asserting that 'a Sikh Sardar can never be a traitor'.
He went on to assert that the Congress party continues to harbor the same 'poisonous mindset' against the Sikh community that was evident in the 1980s.
The confrontation unfolded on Wednesday within the Parliament complex between Rahul Gandhi and Bittu.
In response, Sirsa expressed his views on X, stating, 'The situation escalated when Rahul Gandhi launched a fierce verbal assault, calling Bittu a traitor, which prompted a swift and strong response from the Union Minister. I unequivocally condemn the language used by Rahul Gandhi against Sikh minister Ravneet Singh Bittu today, deeming it utterly disgraceful.'
'A Sikh Sardar can never be a traitor', he reiterated.
Reflecting on the 1984 Sikh riots, Sirsa labeled the Gandhi family as 'traitors' and accused the Congress party of committing atrocities against Sikhs.
'If there is a traitor, it is the Gandhi family, who attacked Sri Darbar Sahib using cannons and tanks, demolished Sri Akal Takht Sahib, and burned innocent Sikhs alive by placing tyres around their necks,' he remarked.
'This is an affront to the Sikh community and will not be tolerated under any circumstances. The venom from the 1980s still lingers in the Congress party's psyche. I call on the Honourable Speaker to take prompt action against Rahul Gandhi.' said the Delhi Minister.
The altercation occurred at Makar Dwar as Bittu was walking past Congress MPs who were demonstrating.
As he walked by, Gandhi was overheard saying, 'Here comes a traitor. Look at his face.'
He also extended his hand toward Bittu, stating, 'Hello, brother, my traitor friend. Don’t worry, you’ll be back.'
This comment came as Bittu had previously been affiliated with Congress before joining BJP in March 2024.
The Union Minister, however, declined to shake hands and strongly rebuffed the remarks.
Countering Gandhi’s allegations, he branded him and his associates as 'desh ke dushman' (enemies of the nation), making it clear he does not associate with those he views as adversaries to the country.
The two leaders engaged in a brief yet intense verbal confrontation before proceeding.