Union Minister's 'Pappu' Jibe At Rahul Gandhi Stirs Controversy After Kharge's Letter To PM Modi

After Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge sent a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressing concern over statements made by several BJP members against senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu, who sparked the controversy by calling Gandhi the 'number one terrorist,' has doubled down on his remarks, stating that the former Congress president still remains a "Pappu" (a derogatory Hindi term often used to imply someone is foolish or immature).

Bittu's controversial statements came after Kharge's complaint regarding disparaging comments aimed at Gandhi. Despite Gandhi's elevation as the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Bittu claimed that Gandhi "remains a Pappu," suggesting that Congress' efforts to bolster Gandhi's image have failed.

Photo Credit: PTI

Union Minister's 'Pappu' Jibe At Rahul Gandhi

"Instead of lecturing others, Mallikarjun Kharge should focus on teaching his 'Pappu,'" Bittu remarked in an interview with ANI. Bittu, who defected from Congress to join the BJP in March 2024, made it clear that his concerns were not limited to politics but were deeply personal as well. He emphasized that his comments came "as a Sikh," adding emotional weight to his already inflammatory remarks.

The remarks follow Gandhi's recent three-day visit to the United States, his first international trip as Leader of the Opposition. During his visit, Gandhi made several comments, including one regarding the Sikh community, which fueled controversy back in India. At an event in Virginia, Gandhi said, "The fight is about whether a Sikh will be allowed to wear a turban in India, or whether a Sikh will be allowed to wear a kada, or whether a Sikh will be allowed to go to a Gurdwara. That's what the fight is about, and for all religions."

Bittu responded to these comments with sharp criticism. He asserted that Gandhi's statements abroad were not reflective of someone who loves his country. "If those manufacturing bombs are supporting him (Gandhi), he is the number one terrorist," Bittu said, referencing alleged support from certain radical factions, including the US-based pro-Khalistan group Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), which has backed Gandhi's statement on the Sikh community.

The escalating war of words comes amid heightened tensions between the BJP and Congress, as both parties gear up for crucial electoral battles ahead.