Lucknow, February 4: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) organized protests across various districts in Uttar Pradesh, including the capital Lucknow, on Wednesday. This was in response to comments made by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi regarding Union Minister Sardar Ravneet Singh Bittu.
During the protests, led by BJP Sikh leaders and activists, effigies of Rahul Gandhi were burned, accompanied by slogans such as “Rahul Gandhi, shame on you” and “Stop insulting Sikhs.” At Khalsa Chowk in Alambagh, members of the Sikh community, under the leadership of BJP leader Sardar Parvinder Singh, held demonstrations and set fire to an effigy of Gandhi.
Protesters condemned the labeling of Sardar Ravneet Singh Bittu as a “traitor” at the main entrance of Parliament, deeming it an insult to the entire Sikh community. Sardar Parvinder Singh stated that Gandhi’s remarks deeply hurt Sikh sentiments and ignited significant anger within the community. He emphasized that using such language against an elected Union minister is not only unconstitutional but also a direct attack on the dignity of the Sikh community. The Sikh community demands a public apology and resignation from Rahul Gandhi.
Singh accused the Congress party of harboring an anti-Sikh mentality, citing the insensitivity shown towards the Sikh community throughout its history. He referenced the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, stating that the community has not forgotten the atrocities committed under the protection of the government at that time. He asserted that Congress has yet to move beyond that mindset.
While acknowledging that changing political alliances based on ideas is not unusual, Singh condemned the use of derogatory and divisive language against any leader. He alleged that Rahul Gandhi intentionally targeted a Sikh leader to insult the entire Sikh community.
BJP leaders warned that if Congress leadership does not take a clear stance on this issue, protests will escalate. This incident gained traction in political circles following the release of a video showing a confrontation in Parliament. The altercation occurred during opposition protests against the suspension of Congress MPs.
Rahul Gandhi had arrived in Parliament to support the protesting MPs and was seen standing with them. The atmosphere heated up when Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu passed by, leading to a brief but intense exchange between the two leaders. Eyewitnesses reported that nearby MPs and security personnel intervened to manage the situation.
Following the incident, leaders from both the ruling and opposition parties have expressed differing reactions, accusing each other of violating parliamentary decorum. Political rhetoric has intensified both inside and outside Parliament regarding this incident.
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