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The Lok Sabha witnessed a heated exchange between former Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi of the Congress and Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu, who recently joined the BJP, during a debate on the Union Budget. The confrontation escalated rapidly, with both leaders engaging in personal attacks. Channi ignited the verbal duel by referencing the assassination of Bittu's grandfather, former Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh, stating that his death occurred the day Bittu joined the BJP. This statement, while intended to be a scathing critique, triggered a chain reaction of accusations and counter-accusations.
Channi's attacks extended beyond the personal, as he criticized the Modi government, drawing parallels between its governance and the British Raj. He also made a remark about skin color, further exacerbating the situation. Bittu, who holds the portfolios of Railways and Food Processing Industries, retaliated with allegations of corruption and serious misconduct against Channi. He defended his grandfather's legacy, emphasizing that Singh's sacrifice was for the nation and not any political party. The verbal altercation reached a fever pitch when Bittu alleged that Channi was an accused in 'Me Too' cases and claimed Channi to be the most corrupt and rich person in Punjab. To emphasize his point, Bittu even stated that he would change his name if these accusations were proven wrong.
Channi's remark about skin color prompted Bittu to retort by asking if Channi could prove Sonia Gandhi's origins, suggesting that Channi's comment was aimed at her. The heated exchange led to a chaotic scene in the Lok Sabha, prompting BJP member Sandhya Ray, who was presiding over the session, to adjourn the proceedings for 30 minutes. Following the session, Bittu spoke to ANI, accusing Channi of treachery and misleading the country. He refuted Channi's claim that the National Security Act (NSA) was invoked against farmers, clarifying that it was used against those seeking to disrupt the nation and Punjab. Bittu further asserted that Channi was unable to provide any evidence to support his claims and that the Congress party and the INDI Alliance were ashamed of his actions.