Ravneet Bittu Apologises to Punjab SC Panel Over Caste Remarks

Union Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu delivered an unconditional apology to the Punjab State Commission for Scheduled Castes on Wednesday. The panel accepted his statement regarding controversial caste-indicative remarks and instructed the minister to perform religious service at four major shrines across Punjab.

Union Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu appeared before the Punjab State Commission for Scheduled Castes in Chandigarh on Wednesday. During the proceedings, he tendered an unconditional apology over remarks that had drawn suo motu cognisance from the panel.

After accepting the apology, the commission directed Bittu to pay obeisance and perform seva at four holy sites in Punjab. These locations include Dera Baba Braham Dass in Phillaur, Dera Sach Khand Ballan, Bhagwan Valmiki Tirath Sthal (Ram Tirath) in Amritsar, and Sri Harmandir Sahib in Amritsar.

It was Bittu’s first personal appearance before the panel. At the June 4 hearing his counsel had appeared and sought time to file his version, citing a public apology already made. A later date was then fixed, but Bittu, tied up in meetings in Delhi, sought further time.

Commission chairperson Jasvir Singh Garhi said the panel took suo motu cognisance of the alleged use of caste-indicative terminology by the minister. It had sought a report from the Sangrur Senior Superintendent of Police and, dissatisfied with the findings, summoned him to appear in person.

The controversy traces to a May 26 altercation in Dhuri, Sangrur district, during voting for the municipal council polls. Bittu got into a heated exchange with police officers while pressing for the release of BJP leader Onkar Singh, detained for allegedly campaigning during the silent period. A video of the exchange went viral, triggering protests by Valmiki and Dalit organisations across Punjab on May 30. Punjab AAP chief Aman Arora accused Bittu of “gundagardi.”

The BJP leader confirmed he had apologised before the commission and agreed to visit the shrines and perform sewa. He had earlier apologised publicly in Amritsar on May 31, saying the words should not have come from a person holding the office of a Union minister, while maintaining his remarks were taken out of context.

Historical Context

The requirement to perform seva (voluntary community service) at Sikh and regional shrines is a traditional form of spiritual restitution in Punjab. Historically, political figures who face social or religious censure often perform these acts of humility to mend relations with specific community groups. In this instance, the mandated service at prominent Valmiki and Dalit religious centers directly addresses the communities offended by the minister’s verbal altercation.

FAQs

Why did Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu apologize?

The minister issued an unconditional apology for utilizing caste-indicative language during a heated public exchange with police officers in Punjab. The comments drew sharp criticism and legal scrutiny from regional authorities.

What directives did the Punjab State Commission for Scheduled Castes issue?

The panel accepted his apology but commanded him to visit and perform religious community service at four specific holy sites across the state to express his remorse.

When and where did the original controversy take place?

The incident occurred on May 26, 2026, in Dhuri, located within the Sangrur district, during an argument over a detained political colleague during municipal election voting.

Which four shrines must the minister visit for community service?

He is required to perform service at Dera Baba Braham Dass in Phillaur, Dera Sach Khand Ballan, Bhagwan Valmiki Tirath Sthal in Amritsar, and Sri Harmandir Sahib in Amritsar.