NEW DELHI, FEB 4: A sharp verbal confrontation broke out outside Parliament on Wednesday between Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu. The incident occurred as Congress lawmakers staged a demonstration accusing the Prime Minister of being “compromised” regarding recent international trade agreements.
As the protest was underway, Bittu walked past the group of demonstrating MPs. Gandhi pointed toward the Union Minister and addressed him as a “traitor friend,” while suggesting he would eventually return to the Congress fold. Gandhi extended his hand for a handshake, which the Minister pointedly refused.
“My traitor friend, you will come back,” Gandhi said during the exchange.
Bittu reacted angrily to the gesture, accusing the Congress leader of working against national interests. The spat took place amid an already tense legislative environment following the suspension of eight opposition members for the duration of the current session. Among those suspended were Punjab MPs Gurjeet Singh Aujla and Amrinder Singh Raja Warring.
The protest followed claims made by Gandhi regarding the India-US trade deal. Security and fellow lawmakers observed the brief but intense encounter before both leaders moved on.
