Hardeep Puri Slams Rahul Gandhi for ‘Traitor’ Remark on Ravneet Bittu
NEW DELHI (TheTrendingPeople): Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Wednesday strongly criticised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for referring to BJP MP Ravneet Singh Bittu as a “traitor,” calling the remark unacceptable and against the spirit of parliamentary decorum.
Addressing a press conference in Delhi, Puri said such language has no place in public discourse and is particularly sensitive when directed at members of the Sikh community.
Puri said Rahul Gandhi’s comments reflected poor judgment and undermined the dignity of political debate.
“Using the word ‘traitor’ is extremely serious. It implies betrayal of the country. Just because someone leaves a party does not make him a traitor,” Puri said.
He added that parliamentary discourse, both inside and outside Parliament, must be based on decency and mutual respect.
“To label anyone from any community in this manner is unacceptable,” he said.
War of Words Outside Parliament
The controversy erupted outside Parliament near Makar Dwar, where Rahul Gandhi and Ravneet Bittu exchanged sharp words during protests by Congress MPs.
Gandhi was heard calling Bittu a “traitor” while passing by the demonstration. He reportedly said, “Here is a traitor walking right by. Look at the face,” and added that Bittu would “return to Congress someday.”
Bittu declined to shake hands with Gandhi and responded by calling him “desh ke dushman” (enemy of the state).
Puri’s Post on Social Media
Earlier in the day, Puri also took to X to criticise Gandhi’s remarks.
He wrote that calling a Sikh leader a traitor for choosing the ideology of the Bharatiya Janata Party crossed all limits of civility.
Puri highlighted that Bittu’s family had suffered due to terrorism and said such remarks were unjust and deeply hurtful.
Background: Bittu’s Switch to BJP
Ravneet Singh Bittu, who had earlier been associated with the Congress, joined the BJP in 2024. Since then, he has been a vocal critic of his former party.
His switch has remained a point of friction between him and Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi.
Political observers say the latest exchange reflects growing tensions between the ruling party and the Opposition during the ongoing parliamentary session.
Political Reactions
While BJP leaders rallied behind Bittu, Congress leaders defended Rahul Gandhi, saying he was reacting to political provocation.
However, senior leaders from across parties have urged restraint, warning that personal attacks weaken democratic debate.
Parliamentary affairs officials said repeated verbal clashes are affecting the functioning of the House.\
The strong response from Hardeep Singh Puri highlights the sensitivity surrounding political language and community identity. As tensions rise between the BJP and Congress, leaders are being urged to maintain dignity and focus on policy issues rather than personal attacks.
With Parliament witnessing frequent disruptions, the episode has once again raised questions about the tone of political discourse in the country.
Our Final Thoughts
The controversy underscores how quickly political disagreements can escalate into personal and community-linked disputes. While robust debate is essential in a democracy, it must be rooted in respect and responsibility.
Leaders on both sides carry the burden of setting examples for public conduct. If such exchanges continue, they risk further eroding trust in parliamentary institutions and distracting from pressing national issues.