Union Minister and grandson of former Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh, Ravneet Singh Bittu, created a controversy on Saturday when he asked the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) to identify Narain Singh Chaura, the man who attacked. SAD leader Sukhbir Singh Badalas a “Quaum de Heere” or “Public treasure.” Speaking in Delhi, Bittu urged the Akali Dal and the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) to provide legal support to Chaura in his ongoing case.
Bittu criticized this The shooting incident against Sukhbir Singh Badal. However, he said Chaura’s actions were a reaction to religious sentiments rather than personal revenge. “Narain Singh Chaura, a senior citizen, did not take revenge on Sukhbir Singh Badal but as a response to the insult,” said Bittu.
He cited Badal’s alleged involvement in the desecration of the Shri Guru Granth Sahib and misappropriation of funds in the Golden Temple as the motivation behind Chaura’s action. “This action shows an emotional outburst related to religion,” he added.
Bittu reiterated that Chaura’s actions did not target the Golden Temple or the Akal Takhat Sahib, but were only aimed at Badal.
He drew parallels with past events, such as the support the Akali Dal extended to Bhai Balwant Singh Rajoana, whose actions were also seen as religiously motivated.
“Despite being children at the time of S Beant Singh Ji’s murder, we supported the demand for Rajoana’s release,” Bittu remarked, urging the SAD to show the same understanding towards Chaura.
Bittu, who served as a Congress member before joining the BJP, appealed to the SAD to provide Chaura with legal aid, proper food, and clothing, given her age and the ongoing investigation.
“SAD must provide him with legal assistance and ensure that his contributions are remembered by the Sikh community,” he said. He also invoked the memory of his grandfather’s assassination, noting that while 17 lives were lost alongside Beant Singh, the SAD honored those involved in the Golden Temple.
Bikram Singh Majithia, a senior Akali leader, quickly responded to Bittu’s comments, calling him “not mentally strong.”
“This is the result of his departure from the Congress to the saffron party,” said Majithia, asking whether Bittu was speaking for the BJP or on his behalf.
He also accused Bittu of inciting violence in association with “ISI agents” and “pro-Khalistani supporters,” referring to the so-called Chaura organizations.
“Do you condone the attack on a religious place?” Majithia asked. “As a Union Minister, you stand with an ISI agent, and incite violence – this is your politics, Amit Shah, PM Modi. You need to answer.”
BJP state chief Sunil Jakhar also condemned the incident, extending his party’s support to Akali Dal leaders. “We stand in solidarity with the Akali Dal,” Jakhar said.
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