Former MP from Ludhiana and current Union Minister of State, Ravneet Singh Bittu, has made a significant policy shift by reversing his longtime opposition to the release of Sikhs imprisoned in jail (Bandi Sikhs). In a statement to the media, Bittu acknowledged the need to move forward and expressed his readiness to support the release of these prisoners in the interest of maintaining peace in Punjab.
Bittu, who had consistently opposed the release of individuals like Balwant Singh Rajoana and other incarcerated Sikhs during his tenure with the Congress, stated, "The time has come to move forward. I will not oppose the release of Sikhs and am ready to make any sacrifice to maintain peace in Punjab." He emphasized that his family also supports this new stance, highlighting a collective agreement on the matter.
Bittu's son echoed his sentiments, indicating that if the Central Government decides to take measures for the rights of imprisoned Sikhs, neither he nor his family would oppose such decisions. "We have had discussions within our family, and we are unified in our support for these potential decisions," Bittu added.
Ravneet Singh Bittu has had a prominent political career, having served as an MP from Sri Anandpur Sahib and Ludhiana. However, in a recent electoral defeat, he lost to Congress state president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring by approximately 21,000 votes.
The backdrop to Bittu's earlier opposition is rooted in a personal tragedy. On August 31, 1995, his grandfather, then Chief Minister Beant Singh, was assassinated in a human bomb attack orchestrated by Balwant Singh Rajoana and Punjab Police officer Dilawar Singh. The court sentenced Rajoana to death for his role in the conspiracy.