3 min readLudhianaNov 30, 2015 05:27 AM IST
First published on: Nov 30, 2015 at 01:08 AM IST
MP Ravneet Bittu being welcomed at Ludhiana Railway Station on Sunday. (Gurmeet Singh)
The newly-appointed convener of the Punjab Congress’ campaigning committee for the 2017 elections, Ludhiana MP Ravneet Bittu, on Sunday did not deny speculation that he had been in the running for the top post in the state — that of the state Congress president.
“Had a youth leader like me been appointed as PPCC chief in 2013, when Bajwa took over after we lost the Moga bypoll under Captain’s leadership, things would have been totally different for the Congress in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls,” said Bittu, the youngest member in Team Amarinder in the revamped state Congress unit.
Bittu, however, denied that he is disappointed with his post. “Seeing the current situation with 2017 just an year away, Captain has come out as the tallest leader and I will be extending full support to him. It was the right decision to choose Captain at this time,” The Ludhiana MP and grandson of former chief minister Beant Singh said.
“In 2014, AAP grabbed youth votes. Now, my entire focus will be to reconnect the youth with Congress for 2017. I feel that my inclusion in campaigning committee has been done keeping in view youth votes. Rahul Gandhi has played the most important role in my elevation and this shows he trusts me,” Bittu said.
Bittu had pulled off a surprise win in the 2014 elections at Ludhiana after literally being parachuted into the seat when incumbent MP Manish Tewari backed out. He defeat senior Supreme Court lawyer H S Phoolka, who contested on an AAP ticket.
His neutrality in the Punjab Congress’ factional battles — he never came out openly against or in favour of either Captain or Bajwa — appears to be paying dividends now, with sources even confirming that party vice-president Rahul Gandhi had at one time, was even considering his name for the PPCC president post.
Bittu also accepts that the legacy of his grandfather has played a significant role in his career. “Being the grandson of Beant Singh has always played a part — now and even when I won two consecutive Lok Sabha polls. People know how my grandfather connected youth with Congress during terrorism and sacrificed his life. Rahul Gandhi is expecting the same from me now and I will drive Congress to victory in 2017,” Bittu asserted.
He, however, continued to show his neutral card: “I want Bajwaji to be accommodated on a respectable post in the party. That is what even Maharaja saab (Captain) wants. We are all united,” Bittu said.
MP Ravneet Bittu being welcomed at Ludhiana Railway Station on Sunday. (Gurmeet Singh)
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