A political controversy erupted on September 15, 2024, after Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu, a former Congress leader now in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), referred to Rahul Gandhi as the “No. 1 terrorist of the country.” Bittu’s comments came in response to Gandhi’s remarks during a recent event in the U.S., where Gandhi expressed concerns over the state of religious freedom in India, particularly focusing on Sikh rights.
During his media interaction in Bhagalpur, Bihar, Bittu alleged that Rahul Gandhi’s statements had garnered praise from individuals associated with terrorism, claiming, “When such people support Rahul Gandhi, it means he is the country’s number one terrorist.” Bittu also questioned Gandhi’s loyalty to India, pointing to his extensive time spent abroad, and went as far as suggesting that a reward should be offered for his capture
The Congress party swiftly reacted, filing a formal complaint against Bittu, condemning his remarks as baseless and offensive. Congress leader K.C. Venugopal criticized the BJP, stating that such “bottom-tier personal attacks” reflect the ruling party’s lack of respect for opposition leaders. Venugopal further remarked that Bittu’s comments were a demonstration of the BJP’s disdain for democratic values and the opposition’s role in political discourse
The incident has escalated political tensions, with Congress alleging that Bittu’s personal attacks are a desperate attempt to gain favor within the BJP, especially considering his recent defection from Congress. Congress leaders Sandeep Dikshit also noted that Bittu had once praised Rahul Gandhi during his time in the Congress, but has since shifted his stance after joining the BJP(India Today)
This controversy adds to the ongoing friction between the BJP and Congress, as both parties gear up for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The incident underscores the polarized nature of Indian politics, with personal attacks taking center stage amidst broader political debates.
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