Commission directs Union Minister to pay obeisance at four religious places in Punjab

Chandigarh, 24 June (H.S.): Union Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu on wednesday appeared before the Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission and submitted a written apology in connection with the alleged use of derogatory remarks against the Scheduled Caste community during an incident in Dhuri.

Bittu appeared before the Commission after being summoned by Commission Chairman Jasvir Singh Garhi. During the hearing, the Commission provided him an opportunity to present his side regarding the controversy.

Clarifying his position, Bittu stated that he has always respected the Scheduled Caste community and expressed deep regret over the words that were allegedly spoken unintentionally. He also submitted a written apology to the Commission.

In his apology letter, Bittu acknowledged that the remarks made by him were legally inappropriate and informed the Commission that he had deleted the controversial video linked to the incident.

The controversy arose during the Municipal Council election polling in Dhuri town of Sangrur district, where Bittu had reportedly entered into an argument with police personnel while protesting the arrest of a BJP leader. During the altercation, he allegedly made objectionable and caste-related remarks against police officials and members of the Scheduled Caste community.

Following the circulation of videos of the incident on social media, the Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission took suo motu notice of the matter, sought a report from Sangrur Police and summoned Bittu to appear personally before it.

The Commission noted that the remarks and the subsequent deletion of the video had hurt public sentiments and could adversely affect communal harmony in Punjab.

Keeping in view the larger interest of maintaining social harmony, the Commission directed Bittu to pay obeisance at four prominent religious places associated with the Scheduled Caste community. These include Dera Baba Brahmdas in Phillaur, associated with Dr. B.R. Ambedkar; Dera Sant Sarwan Dass Sachkhand Ballan in Jalandhar, linked to Guru Ravidas Maharaj; Bhagwan Valmiki Tirath Sthal in Amritsar; and Sri Darbar Sahib in Amritsar.

The Commission said the directions were aimed at promoting communal harmony and preserving social unity in the state.

Hindusthan Samachar / GURSHARAN SINGH