A heated verbal confrontation between Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, and Ravneet Singh Bittu, Union Minister of State for Railways, erupted outside Parliament on Wednesday, underscoring the deepening political acrimony that has paralysed the ongoing Budget Session.
The exchange unfolded at the gate (Makar Dwar entrance) of the Indian Parliament amid protests by suspended opposition MPs, and quickly escalated into a personal and politically charged spat, with Gandhi calling Bittu a “traitor” and the BJP minister responding by branding Gandhi a “desh ke dushman” (enemy of the nation).
The confrontation came as both Houses of Parliament were repeatedly adjourned due to sustained sloganeering by opposition members, a day after eight MPs were suspended for the remainder of the Budget Session over alleged disorderly conduct inside the Lok Sabha.
The flashpoint outside Parliament
According to multiple video clips circulating on social media, the altercation began when Bittu, walking past protesting Congress MPs, remarked that they were “sitting as if they had won a war.”
The comment drew a sharp response from Rahul Gandhi, who pointed at the minister and said,
“Here is a traitor walking right by. Look at the face.”
Gandhi’s remark was a clear reference to Bittu’s defection from the Congress to the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 2024.
In a moment that appeared simultaneously taunting and theatrical, Gandhi extended his hand and added,
“Hello, brother, my traitor friend. Don’t worry, you will come back.”
Bittu refused to shake hands and shot back, calling Gandhi a “desh ke dushman.” The exchange quickly drew other MPs into the frame, with party colleagues stepping in to prevent further escalation.
Background of the parliamentary standoff
The confrontation took place against the backdrop of a broader parliamentary crisis. Earlier in the day, the Lok Sabha had been adjourned till noon after opposition MPs staged loud protests over the suspension of eight members, including Congress MPs Hibi Eden, Manickam Tagore, Amarinder Singh Raja Warring and CPI(M) MP S Venkatesan.
The suspensions followed a dramatic scene in the House on Tuesday, when opposition members allegedly violated parliamentary rules and “threw papers at the Chair” after Rahul Gandhi insisted on raising a specific reference to the 2020 India-China standoff in eastern Ladakh during discussions.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju moved the suspension motion, which was adopted despite protests from opposition benches. The move has further inflamed tensions during a session already overshadowed by disputes over the India–US trade agreement and national security issues.
Bittu invokes 1984 and Operation Blue Star
Responding to Gandhi’s “traitor” jibe, Ravneet Singh Bittu launched a blistering counterattack, invoking some of the most painful chapters in Sikh history to accuse the Congress — and the Gandhi family — of hypocrisy.
Bittu referenced Operation Blue Star and the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, alleging that Congress governments were responsible for violence against Sikhs and the desecration of sacred sites.
“They think they are the biggest patriots,” Bittu said.
“The Gandhi family started a fire. Bullets were fired at the Guru Granth Sahib inside the Golden Temple. Thousands of Sikhs were killed.”
He also invoked his own lineage, noting that his grandfather, former Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh, played a role in restoring stability in Punjab during a turbulent period.
“If Rajiv Gandhi is called a shaheed, then I too come from a family of shaheed-e-azam,” Bittu said.
The minister accused Gandhi of changing his tone only after Bittu joined the BJP.
He said, adding that Gandhi’s attempt to shake hands after the remark appeared patronising,
“You were fine when I was with you. Now that I am in the BJP, you use this language.”
BJP and allies escalate criticism
The exchange drew swift and fierce reactions from BJP leaders. Delhi Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa condemned Gandhi’s remarks as an insult to the Sikh community, saying, “A Sikh sardar can never be a traitor.”
BJP spokesperson Jaiveer Shergill also weighed in, calling Gandhi “unfit” for the role of Leader of the Opposition and accusing him of repeatedly questioning the armed forces and undermining national interests.
Bittu later went further, describing Gandhi and some Congress MPs as behaving like “sadak ka gunda” (street thugs) and alleging that Gandhi attempted to escalate the confrontation physically — a claim denied by Congress leaders.
A session mired in bitterness
The confrontation between Gandhi and Bittu reflects the increasingly personal tone of political conflict in Parliament, where policy disagreements are now frequently overshadowed by historical grievances, identity politics and accusations of betrayal.
With repeated adjournments, suspended MPs protesting outside the House, and senior leaders trading barbs in public view, the Budget Session has so far struggled to focus on substantive legislative business.
As Parliament was again adjourned till 3 pm during Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal’s address on the India–US trade deal, Wednesday’s scenes offered a stark reminder of how far political discourse has deteriorated — raising questions about whether consensus and decorum can be restored in the weeks ahead.
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