‘If anything happens to me’: BJP’s Ravneet Singh Bittu claims attack on convoy
Source Entity
Raakhi Jagga
BJP leader Ravneet Singh Bittu alleged that his convoy was attacked by AAP workers near Batala during his 'Punjab Nasha Mukti Yatra'. The incident has sparked a political firestorm, with party members highlighting concerns over Punjab's law and order situation.
Political Unrest in Punjab: Allegations of Convoy Attack
The Incident Near Batala
On September 18, 2026, former Union Minister and prominent BJP leader Ravneet Singh Bittu reported a violent confrontation near Ghaseetpur village, situated close to Batala, Punjab. Bittu, who was en route from Amritsar to Pathankot to participate in the 'Punjab Nasha Mukti Yatra'—a state-wide campaign against drug abuse—asserted that his convoy was ambushed by a crowd of over 100 individuals allegedly associated with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). According to Bittu, the assailants utilized the guise of organizing a langar (community kitchen) to gather along the road before initiating the assault.
Nature of the Alleged Assault
Ravneet Singh Bittu provided specific details regarding the aggression, stating that the attackers hurled stones and eggs at his vehicles. The intensity of the incident resulted in physical damage to the convoy, specifically breaking window panes of two escort vehicles and causing damage to a jammer vehicle. Bittu further alleged that the local police force remained largely inactive, acting as "mute spectators" while the violence unfolded as his cavalcade slowed down near the office of Joban Randhawa, the AAP in-charge for the Fatehgarh Churian assembly constituency.
Official Responses and Security Concerns
In the immediate aftermath, Bittu formally briefed Union Home Minister Amit Shah and the Punjab Director General of Police (DGP), demanding swift legal action against those responsible for the breach. The incident has drawn significant attention due to Bittu’s high-profile status and his previous tenure as a Union Minister of State for Railways and Food Processing Industries. The security implications were underscored by fellow BJP leader Raghav Chadha, who emphasized that Bittu is protected by Z-plus security. Chadha argued that if a leader with such high-level protection can be targeted, it raises grave concerns regarding the safety of ordinary citizens in Punjab.
Broader Political Context
This confrontation occurs at a critical juncture in Punjab’s political timeline, with the state assembly elections scheduled for next year. Tensions between the BJP and the incumbent AAP government have been escalating, with both parties accusing the other of fostering instability. The 'Punjab Nasha Mukti Yatra' itself is a strategic move by the BJP to challenge the ruling administration's record on public health and drug control, making the convoy incident a flashpoint for wider ideological and political grievances.
Implications for Law and Order
The alleged failure of local law enforcement to intervene effectively has become a focal point of the narrative. By highlighting the inaction of the police near Batala, the BJP is attempting to frame the current administration as unable to maintain order. Conversely, the incident serves to deepen the polarization in the state, as political actors leverage the event to question the governance model of the AAP. As investigations into the claims proceed, the situation remains a barometer for the volatile political climate in Punjab leading up to the upcoming elections.
Multiple Citing Sources