BJP Leader Tarun Chugh Slams Rahul Gandhi for 'Traitor' Remark Against MoS Bittu
In a sharp rebuke, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national general secretary Tarun Chugh has condemned Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for calling Minister of State for Railways Sardar Ravneet Singh Bittu a "traitor" outside Parliament premises. Chugh described the statement as "extremely unfortunate, condemnable, and an insult to democratic decorum."
Chugh's Statement: An Affront to Sikh Community and National Dignity
Chugh, in a written statement, emphasized that using such language against an elected representative is not only personally insulting but also hurts the dignity of the Sikh community and the nation as a whole. He highlighted the historical context, stating, "The dark chapter of 1984 continues to remain a deep wound in the hearts of the nation, particularly the Sikh community."
He accused the Congress party and the Nehru-Gandhi family of playing a role during that period, citing:
- The brutal killing of thousands of innocent Sikhs.
- Organised violence across multiple cities.
- The failure of the justice system, which he called a permanent blot on India's democratic history.
Chugh further alleged that while the country was burning, the Congress government remained silent, and individuals accused of instigating violence roamed freely for years, allegedly receiving political protection. He pointed to incidents where Sikhs were identified through voter lists and targeted, which he said continue to shake the nation's conscience.
Rahul Gandhi's Conduct Reflects Divisive Mindset, Says Chugh
Chugh asserted that Rahul Gandhi's conduct reflects the same divisive mindset that has shaped Congress politics for decades. He demanded that Rahul Gandhi apologize to the people of the country, particularly the Sikh community, for "hurting their sentiments."
BJP Workers Stage Protest in Amritsar Over Remark
In a related development, BJP workers in Amritsar expressed anger over Rahul Gandhi's remark and staged a protest at Hathi Gate Chowk on Wednesday. The protest, led by BJP district president Harvinder Singh Sandhu, involved:
- Raising slogans against Rahul Gandhi.
- Burning his effigy as a symbolic act of condemnation.
Speaking to the media after the protest, Sandhu alleged that the Congress party was responsible for hurting the religious sentiments of Hindu and Sikh communities in 1984 by attacking the Golden Temple. He claimed that during the Sikh massacre in Delhi and other states, hundreds of innocents were killed, yet the party never showed remorse.
Sandhu added that this was not the first instance of Rahul Gandhi or senior Congress leaders allegedly using derogatory language against BJP leaders. He referenced previous objectionable remarks made by Rahul against the Prime Minister and several BJP leaders, asserting that the BJP would not tolerate such language against its senior leaders.
The incident has sparked a political controversy, with the BJP intensifying its criticism of the Congress leadership over historical grievances and current conduct.
