Rahul Gandhi is country's number one terrorist: Union Minister Ravneet Bittu sparks row

Bittu's remarks come after comments made by Rahul Gandhi about Sikhs during his US tour. While addressing the Indian diaspora in Virginia, Gandhi had criticized the RSS for its treatment of certain religions and communities, including Sikhs.

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Edited By: Mayank Kasyap
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Rahul Gandhi, Ravneet Bittu (ANI)

New Delhi: In a heated political statement, Union Minister and BJP leader Ravneet Singh Bittu has made a highly controversial remark about Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, calling him the "country's number one terrorist." Bittu, speaking at an event in Bhagalpur, Bihar, accused Gandhi of attempting to create divisions within the Sikh community and suggested that a reward should be placed on him for his alleged divisive actions.

Bittu’s accusations against Rahul Gandhi

During his address, Bittu claimed that Rahul Gandhi was inciting discord among Sikhs, accusing the Congress leader of making separatist-like statements. Referring to Gandhi's comments about Sikhs during his recent visit to the United States, Bittu said, "Rahul Gandhi is the country's number one terrorist. He has tried to divide the Sikhs, who are not aligned with any political party. This is an attempt to ignite conflict."

Bittu's statement came in response to remarks made by Gandhi during a meeting with the Indian-American community in Virginia, where Gandhi criticized the RSS for allegedly treating certain religions and communities as inferior. Bittu reacted sharply, interpreting these comments as a threat to national unity and an attempt to sow division within the Sikh community.

Rahul Gandhi is the number one terrorist: Bittu

In Bhagalpur, Bittu challenged any Sikh to come forward and claim that they had faced discrimination for wearing religious symbols like the kada or turban. "Who said that a Sikh cannot go to a Gurudwara? If any Sikh here has been denied these rights, I will leave the BJP immediately," Bittu declared. He further accused Gandhi of attempting to stir unrest by first targeting Muslims and now seeking to divide Sikhs.

The minister alleged that Rahul Gandhi's statements were being supported by separatists who have historically promoted violence. "Those who are wanted by the country, those who make bombs and ammunition, have praised Rahul Gandhi’s words. These are the same people who have always plotted to harm others, and now they back Rahul Gandhi. This makes him the number one terrorist in the country, and there should be a reward for capturing him."

Bittu questions Rahul Gandhi's patriotism

Ravneet Bittu didn’t stop at calling Gandhi a terrorist. He went on to question the Congress leader's loyalty to India. "Rahul Gandhi is not truly Indian. He has spent most of his life abroad. His friends, his family—they are all outside India," Bittu claimed. He added that Gandhi’s frequent trips abroad and his statements critical of India while overseas show a lack of love for the country.

Bittu accused Gandhi of being out of touch with the struggles of ordinary Indians, particularly laborers. "Despite being in politics for so long, Rahul Gandhi still doesn’t understand the pain of the common worker. Half of his life is already gone, and now, as the leader of the opposition, he’s still running around for photo opportunities, making himself a laughing stock."

What is the context behind Bittu’s outburst?

Bittu's explosive remarks were reportedly fueled by his frustration with comments made by Rahul Gandhi about Sikhs during his U.S. tour. While addressing the Indian diaspora in Virginia, Gandhi had criticized the RSS for its treatment of certain religions and communities, including Sikhs. He questioned whether a Sikh in India has the right to wear a turban or a kada, or visit a Gurudwara without fear of discrimination.

Bittu, incensed by these statements, accused Gandhi of spreading false narratives and inflaming communal tensions. He asserted that Gandhi’s comments were being used by separatist elements to support their agenda, further intensifying the political row.

Ravneet Singh Bittu's labeling of Rahul Gandhi as the "number one terrorist" has sparked widespread controversy, drawing sharp reactions from political circles. His claims, rooted in anger over Gandhi’s remarks about Sikhs, have added fuel to an already tense political atmosphere in India. As the 2024 general elections approach, such inflammatory rhetoric is likely to play a significant role in shaping the political discourse.