Chandigarh: Union Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Bittu has issued a public apology to members of the Scheduled Caste community regarding recent controversial remarks attributed to him. In a statement released from Chandigarh on Sunday, May 31, the Union Minister expressed regret, stating that he offered a sincere apology if any of his statements had inadvertently hurt the sentiments of the community.
ਇੱਕ ਜਨਤਕ ਸੇਵਕ ਵਜੋਂ ਮੇਰਾ ਹਮੇਸ਼ਾ ਇਹ ਫਰਜ਼ ਰਿਹਾ ਹੈ ਕਿ ਹਰ ਵਰਗ ਦਾ ਸਨਮਾਨ ਕੀਤਾ ਜਾਵੇ। ਜੇਕਰ ਮੇਰੇ ਕਿਸੇ ਸ਼ਬਦ ਨਾਲ ਸਾਡੇ ਐਸ.ਸੀ. (SC) ਭਾਈਚਾਰੇ ਦੀਆਂ ਭਾਵਨਾਵਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਠੇਸ ਪਹੁੰਚੀ ਹੈ, ਤਾਂ ਮੈਂ ਖੁੱਲ੍ਹੇ ਦਿਲ ਨਾਲ, ਹੱਥ ਜੋੜ ਕੇ ਅਤੇ ਸਿਰ ਝੁਕਾ ਕੇ ਮੁਆਫ਼ੀ ਮੰਗਦਾ ਹਾਂ। ਮੇਰੇ ਲਈ ਸਮਾਜਿਕ ਸਾਂਝ ਅਤੇ ਭਾਈਚਾਰਾ ਸਭ ਤੋਂ ਉੱਪਰ ਹੈ। pic.twitter.com/Sc5s7izUEx
— Ravneet Singh Bittu (@RavneetBittu) May 31, 2026
The apology comes after intense political pressure and mounting demands from various social organisations and community leaders across the region who had taken strong exception to his previous commentary. By issuing the clarification, Bittu aimed to defuse the growing controversy and appease the representatives of the community, emphasizing his respect for all sections of society.
Local political observers note that the swift apology is a strategic move to prevent further escalation and damage control within his constituency and the broader political landscape of Punjab. Following the Minister’s statement, several community groups noted that while the clarification was necessary, they would continue to monitor public discourse to ensure the dignity of marginalized communities is upheld by public representatives.
