The Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission on Thursday summoned Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu to present his side before it on June 15 over the alleged use of casteist remarks by him during a visit to Dhuri.
Commission Chairman Jasvir Singh Garhi confirmed the development. However, Advocate Ramandeep Singh and Advocate A.S. Barnala appeared on behalf of the Union Minister and requested additional time, which the Commission accepted.
The matter stems from a heated incident on May 26 in the town of Dhuri in Sangrur district during the civic body elections. Bittu was reportedly demanding the release of local BJP leader Onkar Singh, who police had detained for allegedly violating the “silent period" by campaigning.
During the confrontation with police personnel, a video of the exchange went viral on social media, in which Bittu is alleged to have used casteist and derogatory remarks.
The clip triggered widespread criticism, with opposition parties, including the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Punjab, accusing him of misbehavior and using objectionable language against officers on election duty.
Taking suo motu cognisance of the viral video and public complaints, the Commission had directed the Sangrur Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) to submit a report and initially summoned Bittu to appear on June 4.
On May 31, Bittu publicly apologised to the Scheduled Caste community, stating that as a Union Minister, he should not have used such words.
He maintained that his remarks were made in the heat of the moment, were taken out of context, and that he never intended to hurt the sentiments of any community. He also expressed readiness to appear before the Commission.
