Ravneet Singh Bittu, a three-time MP and grandson of former CM Beant Singh, who was known for his tough stance on terrorism, has emerged as a key figure in BJP’s Punjab strategy. On Monday, Bittu, 49, was sworn in as Minister of State for Railways and Food Processing, making him the first Punjabi leader to hold such significant portfolios.
Bittu’s aggressive style and political legacy have helped him surpass seasoned politicians within the BJP state unit. Despite BJP’s loss on all 13 Lok Sabha seats in Punjab, the party’s vote share rose to 18.5%, crucial for the 2027 assembly polls. Bittu’s appointment is seen as an effort to consolidate BJP’s gains in the state.
Bittu, previously elected thrice as a Congress MP, has joined BJP, a move criticized by some due to Congress’s controversial history with Sikhs. However, a senior BJP leader argues that Bittu’s Jat-Sikh background and nationalist image align well with BJP’s agenda for Punjab. Bittu’s anti-Khalistan stance is also seen as a plus for the party.
Political expert Parmod Kumar highlights the challenges Bittu faces, including addressing radical assertions, farmers’ unrest, and economic stagnation in Punjab. Kumar, director of the Institute for Development and Communication (IDC) in Chandigarh, questions how effectively Bittu can secure a special economic package from the Central government to rejuvenate Punjab’s economy.
Ultimately, Bittu’s success in overcoming these challenges will determine whether BJP’s bet on him pays off.
