Former Union Minister Detained in Punjab Protest Against CM

Ravneet Singh Bittu, a leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and former Union Minister, has been detained by Punjab Police following a protest that escalated dramatically. The incident occurred on Ferozepur Road as Bittu attempted to draw attention to his grievances against Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's administration.

During the protest, Bittu held a liquor bottle aloft while also displaying eggs and tomatoes. He shouted that he was 'returning the bottle' to the Chief Minister, accusing Mann and his party, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), of misconduct and corruption in Punjab. Bittu alleged that these items were being returned after AAP supporters hurled them at his convoy the day before while he was travelling to an anti-drug rally in Pathankot.

The BJP leader claimed his vehicle entourage was attacked by around 100 AAP workers, resulting in damage to multiple vehicles, including escort vehicles and a jammer vehicle. He described the aggression against his party as indicative of a broader pattern of political intimidation.

Bittu stated, 'If they throw eggs and tomatoes at us, we will return them. If AAP protests against BJP yatras, BJP will also protest democratically against the Chief Minister. We will not stay silent.' He assured that his party would organise peaceful protests at venues where Mann's events were scheduled, asserting that police actions could not suppress legitimate political dissent.

The escalating tensions between the BJP and AAP in Punjab have heightened over recent weeks, culminating in this latest incident. Bittu's actions and statements reflect the contentious political atmosphere in the state, with both parties accusing each other of instigating violence and disruption.

As political tensions persist, observers will be watching how the situation develops, particularly in light of Bittu's commitment to continue voicing opposition against the Chief Minister's policies and actions.