Ravneet Singh Bittu has frequently stirred debate in Punjab politics, first as a Congress parliamentarian and later as a BJP leader and central minister. His recent comments on the Diljit Dosanjh film Satluj sparked fresh controversy, drawing criticism from opposition parties and forcing the BJP into a careful response. Punjab BJP chief Kewal Singh Dhillon welcomed a central review panel examining the film’s removal from an OTT service, describing it as a win for transparency while stressing that legal processes and cultural concerns both require attention. Bittu maintained that neither his party nor the central government played any part in the removal and described the film as presenting a one-sided view of the militancy period. He invoked his grandfather Beant Singh’s legacy to defend the 1990s security operations and called for a fuller account of events. He also accused Dosanjh of misleading audiences from abroad and urged the makers to portray police, officials and civilians killed during that era. Rival parties seized the moment. The AAP state chief questioned why Bittu targeted the actor if the central government bore no responsibility. The Punjab Congress president defended Dosanjh and advised caution when criticizing an artist who promoted Punjabi culture globally. Inside the BJP, leaders supported the state president yet privately noted Bittu’s personal connection to the issue because of his grandfather’s assassination. They stressed the need to avoid personal attacks that could distract from party messaging. Other members of the Beant Singh family, all Congress figures, stayed silent. The episode fits a pattern for Bittu, who previously drew criticism during the farm protests and a by-election campaign. Despite past controversies, his standing in the BJP has risen. After losing a Lok Sabha seat, he entered the Rajya Sabha and joined the Union council of ministers. He has signaled plans to contest the 2027 state assembly elections.
