LUDHIANA: Union Minister of Railways and Food Processing Ravneet Singh Bittu launched a scathing attack on Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring for allegedly ridiculing Operation Sindhoor, and for making remarks that he said insult the widows of those killed by Pakistan-sponsored terrorists in the Pahalgam massacre.
In a strongly worded statement here today, Bittu expressed outrage over what he termed “cheap political commentary” on a sensitive national security issue. “I never expected that Bhagwant Mann would stoop so low by mocking the widows of Pahalgam using the disgraceful phrase ‘One Nation, One Husband’, ” Bittu said, referring to Mann’s controversial remarks during a media interaction where he allegedly made light of Operation Sindhoor, a covert operation linked to India’s response to cross-border terrorism.
Bittu accused both AAP and Congress of politicizing the army’s brave actions and undermining the sacrifices of soldiers and their families. “The Indian Army carried out a commendable operation, but the decision to give them the green signal was taken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a leader in whom the nation has complete faith, ” Bittu said.
He demanded an unconditional apology from Chief Minister Mann for his "crass" remarks, 'One nation-One Husband'. “You may be a former comedian, but that doesn’t give you the right to mock the widows of martyrs or the valor of our armed forces, ” Bittu stated, adding that Mann’s personal experiences do not justify making generalizations that offend the dignity of women across India.
Turning his ire towards Raja Warring, Bittu said the Punjab Congress chief had joined the AAP in questioning the legitimacy of the army’s actions. “Warring asked for proof of the operation’s success by suggesting that the army should display the remains of Pakistani fighter jets. This shows a deep mistrust in our own armed forces and is a disgrace to the nation, ” Bittu said.
He alleged that Congress has long taken a soft stance on Pakistan and its sympathizers. “Questioning the army only emboldens our enemies. Warring's comments are not just shameful, they are deeply damaging, ” Bittu concluded, urging political leaders to rise above party lines and support national security efforts.