BJP Sikh Leaders Condemn Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Traitor’ Remark

February 4, 2026

Senior BJP leaders of Sikh background have strongly condemnedRahul Gandhi’s remark labelling Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu a “traitor” outside Parliament on Wednesday. In a series of statements, the leaders described the comment as offensive, disrespectful and a slur on the Sikh community’s honour and contributions to the nation.

The controversy erupted during a protest near Makar Dwar in New Delhi, where Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, was seen gesturing towards Bittu and calling him a “traitor friend” as the BJP minister passed by protesting Congress MPs. In response, Bittu rejected the label, calling Gandhi and his colleagues “desh ke dushman” (enemies of the nation).

‘Unacceptable Slur on Sikh Identity,’ say BJP Leaders

Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri and other senior Sikh BJP figures have denounced Gandhi’s remarks as unacceptable and deeply disrespectful. Puri argued that calling Bittu, a distinguished Sikh leader, a “traitor” crossed the boundaries of civility and dignity and was hurtful to the entire Sikh community given its history and sacrifices for the nation.

Puri recalled the sacrifices of Sikh gurus and the community’s longstanding service in India’s armed forces, emphasising that such war‑like language was inappropriate and insulting. He said the comment had hurt Sikh sentiments and called on political leaders to uphold respect in public discourse.

Manjinder Singh Sirsa: ‘Sikh Sardars Can Never Be Traitors’

Delhi minister and BJP leader Manjinder Singh Sirsa also weighed in sharply, saying that “a Sikh Sardar can never be a traitor” and accusing Gandhi of insulting the Sikh community as a whole. Sirsa cited historical grievances, including controversial episodes like Operation Blue Star and the 1984 anti‑Sikh riots, to argue that the remark was especially insensitive given the community’s past suffering.

Sirsa urged the Lok Sabha Speaker to take immediate action against Gandhi for his language, saying that such statements could not be tolerated in a democratic context and were a betrayal of parliamentary norms.

Political Backlash Intensifies

The BJP’s Sikh leadership has framed Gandhi’s remark not just as a personal attack on Bittu but as a broader affront to Sikh pride and national unity. They have stressed that members of the Sikh community have historically stood at the forefront of defending the nation and that any narrative suggesting otherwise is deeply flawed and harmful.

The incident has heightened political tensions amid an already charged atmosphere in Parliament, which has seen heated exchanges over key national issues, including the ongoing Budget session and debates around trade agreements and parliamentary procedure disruptions.

Bittu Rejects Accusations

Ravneet Singh Bittu who switched from the Congress to the BJP in 2024 rejected Gandhi’s allegation, asserting that he had no connection with enemies of the nation and emphasising his patriotism and service to India. Bittu clarified that his political choices reflect his priorities and that he stands by his record and commitment to national interests.

The BJP has amplified these reactions on social media and in public statements, presenting them as evidence of political disrespect and calling on opposition leaders to apologise for the remarks.