Chandigarh: On Tuesday, Congress workers staged a protest in Chandigarh in response to Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu's recent controversial comments about Lok Sabha Leader of the Opposition, Rahul Gandhi. Harmohinder Singh Lucky, the state president of Chandigarh Congress, condemned Bittu's remarks as "below the belt" and accused him of acting on orders from the BJP and Modi. Lucky emphasized that Rahul Gandhi's contributions to Bittu's political career should not be overlooked, stating, "He has reached his position because of Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party. Congress had always supported the youth, which is why Bittu progressed in politics."

The controversy erupted after Union Minister Bittu criticized Gandhi for his statements during a visit to the USA. Bittu claimed, "Rahul Gandhi is not an Indian; he has spent most of his time abroad and does not love his country. If there were an award for catching the number one terrorist, it should be given to Rahul Gandhi." He further alleged that Gandhi's comments were appreciated by separatists and those who pose threats to national security, labeling him as the "number 1 terrorist" of the country.

Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit responded harshly to Bittu's remarks, criticizing his political career within Congress and accusing him of being disloyal. "We can only pity such people. His political career in Congress was a mess, and now, after joining the BJP, he is demonstrating his loyalty to the party," Dikshit said.

Punjab Congress chief Amarinder Singh Raja Warring also criticized Bittu, asserting that his remarks were an attempt to please his political masters. Warring highlighted the disrespect shown towards Rahul Gandhi’s family, noting, "The public knows that Rahul Gandhi’s father was martyred, and his body was torn to pieces. To call him a terrorist is utterly disrespectful."

The uproar followed Rahul Gandhi's comments during his US visit, where he addressed concerns about Sikh religious freedoms in India. Gandhi questioned whether Sikhs would be allowed to wear turbans, kadas, or visit Gurdwaras freely, framing it as part of a broader struggle for religious rights.

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