‘We may be political rivals but…’: BJP’s reaction to minister Rahul’s ‘terrorist No. 1’ remark – Times of India

NEW DELHI: In an initial reaction to party leader and Union minister Ravneet Singh BittuBJP’s statement about Rahul Gandhi being the “number one terrorist” was distanced by BJP leader MA Naqvi on Monday, saying the remarks were against party culture and were in “bad taste”.
“This is neither the culture of the BJP nor that of our country. We can political rivals and opponents, but it is in bad taste to indulge in such filthy talk and use such language,” Naqvi told PTI when asked about Bittu’s remarks about Gandhi.
“Those who talk like this are detrimental to their political health. The BJP’s culture of civility is its USP and must be adhered to by all,” he said, without naming anyone.
Union Minister Bittu on Sunday lashed out at Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, a day earlier, calling him the “number one terrorist” and enemy of India. He targeted the Congress leader for his remarks on the Sikh community during a visit to the United States.
“I think he doesn’t love his country that much because he goes abroad and says negative things about India. I think he is not a Hindustani,” the minister said.
He claimed that Gandhi has now got support from the separatists, who always talk about dividing the country. The separatists and the most wanted persons also appreciate Gandhi for his remarks against Sikhs, he said.
“If such people, who are also experts in making bombs, support Rahul Gandhi, then he is the number one terrorist of the country. He talks like a separatist. There should be a reward for catching him because he is the biggest enemy of the country,” he added.
Earlier, during his visit to the United States, Rahul Gandhi stirred up a political storm with his remarks about Sikhs in India.
“First of all, you have to understand what the fight is about. The fight is not about politics. It is superficial. What is your name? The fight is about whether… he, as a Sikh, can wear his turban in India. Whether he, as a Sikh, can wear a kada in India. Whether a Sikh can go to the Gurdwara. That is what the fight is about and not just for him, for all religions,” Rahul had said at an event in Virginia.
However, Bittu’s controversial response on Sunday was met with criticism from the Congress.
Punjab Opposition Leader Partap Singh Bajwa condemned Bittu’s remarks and said it was deeply disturbing that a minister, whose salary is paid by taxpayers, does not understand the constitutional values ​​he has sworn to uphold.
“His derogatory comments not only demonstrate a serious lack of education and understanding of parliamentary principles, but also an appalling disregard for responsible public conduct,” he said.
Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit also criticised the minister for his controversial statements and said his political career in the Congress was also in shambles.
“We can only feel sorry for such people. His political career in the Congress was also in shambles. He praised Rahul Gandhi, and now after resigning from the Congress and joining the BJP, he is showing his loyalty to the BJP party,” Dixit said.
Congress leader Tariq Anwar said, “Ravneet Bittu has just joined the BJP from the Congress party and he wants to prove that he follows the ideology of the BJP and is anti-Rahul Gandhi. That is why he is making such absurd statements.”