New Delhi, February 4
Inside the Parliament complex on Wednesday, tempers flared as a sharp war of words erupted between Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi and Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu. The clash unfolded at Makar Dwar, where Congress MPs were staging a protest. As Bittu walked past, Gandhi launched a scathing attack, branding him a “traitor.” Pointing towards the Minister, Gandhi remarked, “Here comes a traitor. Look at his face.” Extending his hand mockingly, he added, “Hello, brother, my traitor friend. Don’t worry—you’ll return one day.” The jibe was a reference to Bittu’s switch from Congress to the BJP in March 2024.
Bittu, refusing the handshake, shot back with equal force. He denounced Gandhi and his colleagues as “desh ke dushman” (enemies of the nation), declaring that he would never associate with those he views as working against India’s interests. The two leaders exchanged heated words before moving on.
This confrontation played out against the backdrop of Congress MPs protesting on the Parliament stairs, holding placards that read “PM is compromised.” The demonstration was tied to the recently signed India–US trade agreement, which has become a fresh battleground between the ruling government and the Opposition.
The deal, finalized on Monday after a phone call between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump, reduced American tariffs on Indian goods to 18 per cent, while India agreed to relax certain barriers for US products.
Rahul Gandhi, speaking to reporters on Tuesday, accused the Prime Minister of bowing to external pressure, insisting that Modi was “compromised” and forced into the agreement. Opposition parties have echoed this criticism, arguing that the pact tilts heavily in favor of the United States and undermines India’s economic interests.
