After the Punjab State Scheduled Caste Commission directed the SSP, Sangrur, to take action against BJP leader and Union Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu over his alleged casteist remarks during an altercation with police personnel in Dhuri, Bittu on Sunday offered an apology, saying he never intended to hurt the sentiments of any community.
Speaking to mediapersons at Amritsar airport, Bittu said he had come to the holy city to pay obeisance at the Golden Temple and seek forgiveness for his “misjudgment”.
He maintained that his remarks had been taken out of context. The comments were made during an altercation with Punjab Police personnel amid the recently concluded civic body elections in Sangrur.
Bittu said that if summoned by any commission or competent authority, he would appear personally to present his case and, if required, submit a written apology.
“I never intended to belittle any Scheduled Caste, OBC, Hindu, Sikh or any other community,” he said. “The atmosphere during the incident was extremely charged, with tensions running high between the police and others present. Deliberately or otherwise, only certain portions of the exchange received attention.”
He also apologised to social organisations, NGOs, deras and religious leaders if his remarks had caused offence.
“I have come here today to express regret over the entire episode. I will visit the Golden Temple and other religious places to seek forgiveness, as I feel burdened by the fact that my words were interpreted in the wrong manner,” he said.
Responding to remarks made by former Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh regarding the leadership of the Punjab BJP, Bittu said all party leaders respected the decisions of the BJP high command.
He described Amarinder Singh as a seasoned and respected leader of Punjab politics whose views deserved consideration. “Senior leaders provide guidance and their opinions cannot be ignored,” he said.
Highlighting law-and-order concerns in Punjab, Bittu said gangsterism and criminal activities remained a matter of concern. He claimed that several serious incidents had occurred in recent years, including attacks on police personnel and cases involving the looting of weapons.
Taking a swipe at the Congress amid reports of internal discord, Bittu said Punjab Congress president Amrinder Singh Raja Warring should continue in his post. “We also want him to remain president,” he remarked sarcastically.
