CHANDIGARH, MAY 28 — The Aam Aadmi Party has demanded an immediate public apology from Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu following allegations of misconduct and verbal abuse directed at police personnel during municipal polling in Dhuri.
AAP state media chief Baltej Pannu maintained during a press briefing on Wednesday that the federal minister used abusive language, made casteist remarks, and threatened a senior female officer. He asserted that the behavior demonstrates a disregard for democratic institutions and public servants.
According to election guidelines, individuals who are not local residents or voters must leave the constituency once active campaigning concludes. Pannu stated that Bittu ignored these protocols, stayed in the area, and actively hindered uniformed personnel from executing their security plans.
“Ravneet Singh Bittu grabbed the collar of a Gursikh police employee deployed on duty, misbehaved with him and used derogatory words like ‘dalal’ for police personnel,” Pannu said.
The media head defended Sangrur Senior Superintendent of Police Navjot Kaur Grewal, describing her as a highly competent officer who achieved her rank through professional merit. He related that the minister openly targeted her based on her gender, stating that the law would take its course if an apology is not issued.
Pannu questioned the consistency of the minister’s criticisms, noting that Bittu’s own brother secured a position within the state police force under relaxed administrative rules during Captain Amarinder Singh’s tenure. He contrasted that appointment with the current crop of inspectors and deputy superintendents who earned their positions through competitive merit without political recommendations.
The official praised the track record of the state police in managing law and order and checking the influx of illegal substances. He suggested that the minister’s comments were a deliberate attempt to disturb the local atmosphere and distract from law and order challenges in states governed by the BJP.
“The BJP’s conspiracy to demoralise Punjab Police will never be allowed to succeed,” Pannu affirmed, adding that the administration remains fully supportive of its officers.
