Chandigrh: Union Minister of State Ravneet Singh Bittu personally appeared before the Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission in Chandigarh to formally express remorse for using caste-related remarks during a recent political dispute. Presiding over the regulatory proceedings, Commission Chairman Jasvir Singh Garhi accepted the federal minister’s explicit gesture of contrition, bringing an end to weeks of escalating legal and political friction surrounding the high-profile incident.
The statutory controversy originated from a heated public confrontation on May 26 during municipal council polling in Dhuri, where Bittu reportedly used objectionable and discriminatory language during an altercation with local police personnel. After the commission expressed dissatisfaction with initial factual reports filed by the Sangrur district police, the panel issued multiple formal summonses to ensure the minister’s direct compliance. Arriving at the state headquarters following previous administrative delays, Bittu folded his hands during the official panel hearing, offering a direct apology to members of the Scheduled Castes community who were aggrieved by his statements.
As part of the conditional resolution, the constitutional panel instructed the minister to perform symbolic acts of spiritual reparation designed to promote social harmony and communal equality. Bittu was directed to pay obeisance at four major religious landmarks across Punjab, including Bhagwan Valmiki Tirath, Sachkhand Ballan, Dera Phillaur, and Sachkhand Sri Harmandir Sahib. Chairman Garhi emphasized that both the Constitution of India and the foundational teachings of the Sikh Gurus strictly prohibit discrimination based on caste identities, underscoring that public figures carry an absolute responsibility to treat all citizens with equal dignity. The minister accepted the formal directives and pledged complete compliance with the scheduled religious observances.
