In Shorts
- PM Modi condemned Rahul Gandhi’s “traitor” remark at Ravneet Singh Bittu as an insult to Sikhs.
- The exchange sparked uproar in Parliament, including Opposition walkouts and slogans.
- Modi warned that such language could harm Congress and deepen political divisions.
New Delhi saw an intense parliamentary confrontation on Thursday after Prime Minister Narendra Modi lambasted Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his use of the word “traitor” for Union Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu. Speaking in the Rajya Sabha during the Motion of Thanks debate, the prime minister said Gandhi’s language went beyond political criticism and amounted to an insult to the Sikh community and its Gurus.
The controversy began the previous day when Rahul Gandhi, alongside protesting Congress MPs outside Parliament’s Makar Dwar, referred to Bittu as a “traitor” following the minister’s departure from the Congress to join the Bharatiya Janata Party. Gandhi’s comment, meant to tease Bittu about returning to his former party, was seized upon by the BJP as evidence of disrespect toward Sikhs.
Modi used his address in the Upper House to criticise the remark sharply, claiming that Gandhi had singled out Bittu because of his Sikh identity and suggesting that this reflected deeper biases within Congress. The prime minister emphasised that calling a citizen a traitor simply for changing political allegiance was unacceptable in India’s democratic discourse.
The exchange triggered strong reactions across the political spectrum. Opposition members staged walkouts and chanted slogans against what they described as undemocratic behaviour, while BJP leaders and allied figures condemned Gandhi’s words as offensive and insensitive. Union ministers and other BJP representatives highlighted the historical sacrifices of the Sikh community as they defended Bittu and criticised the Congress leadership.
The unfolding debate added to broader tensions in Parliament this week, marked by protests over access for the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha and disruptions in both Houses. Despite these interruptions, Modi also spoke at length about government achievements and India’s growing stature on the world stage.
As the political row continues, the incident is shaping up as a significant flashpoint in the ongoing narrative between the ruling party and the Opposition, with both sides exchanging sharp barbs over language, respect, and political conduct.
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