Punjab Newsline | Ludhiana
The political row in Punjab intensified after the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) launched a sharp attack on Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu over his controversial remarks against the Punjab Police. Senior AAP spokesperson Baltej Pannu accused Bittu of insulting the police force while allegedly using political influence in the past to secure a “backdoor entry” for his brother into the department.
Addressing a press conference, Pannu claimed that while Bittu questions Punjab Police checkpoints and personnel, he himself ensured that rules were altered to accommodate his brother in the police department. He demanded that the Union Minister issue an unconditional apology for allegedly insulting Punjab Police personnel.
Pannu also targeted previous Shiromani Akali Dal and Congress governments, alleging that favoritism and political patronage dominated recruitment processes during their tenure. According to him, eligibility conditions such as age limits and educational qualifications were modified to benefit Bittu’s family, which he described as an injustice to lakhs of qualified unemployed youth in Punjab.
Raising procedural concerns, Pannu stated that recruitment for DSP-level officers in Punjab is normally conducted through the Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC). However, he alleged that in Bittu’s brother’s case, mandatory recruitment norms were bypassed and due procedure was ignored.
Questioning Bittu’s criticism of the police force, Pannu said if the Union Minister had such strong objections to Punjab Police, he should explain why he allegedly wanted his brother inducted into the same department. He further accused both Akali Dal and Congress governments of favouring politically connected individuals.
The AAP spokesperson also alleged that Bittu’s remarks were politically motivated and aimed at strengthening his leadership ambitions within Punjab politics. He reiterated that the Union Minister should immediately apologise to Punjab Police officers and personnel for using “insulting language” against the force.
Defending Punjab Police, Pannu said police checkpoints help citizens feel secure and questioned why anyone without illegal material in their vehicle would object to routine checks.
He also praised the role of the State Safety Force (SSF) in rescuing accident victims and said blaming the police for every issue had become a trend despite the dedication of many officers.
Highlighting the AAP government’s employment record, Pannu claimed that more than 65,000 jobs have been provided to youth in Punjab without corruption or political recommendations. He asserted that Punjab Police personnel were recruited on merit and hard work, making attempts to demoralise the force highly condemnable.
