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Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu made headlines on Wednesday as he accused several farmer leaders of receiving foreign funding and blackmailing over land acquisition for central projects. Speaking to the media after filing his nomination papers for the Rajya Sabha by-election from Rajasthan, Bittu expressed confidence in his victory while asserting his commitment to both Punjab and Rajasthan.
 
Criticizing the portrayal of BJP’s relationship with farmers in Punjab, Bittu said that contrary to the narrative suggesting discontent among farmers, the reality is that most farmers in Punjab are supportive of the BJP. He claimed that a small group of farmer leaders, “motivated by personal gain, are spreading misinformation and misleading farmers…These leaders are obstructing national projects by coercing farmers and creating obstacles to land acquisition for development”.
 
Bittu emphasized that genuine farmers are focused on their work, while a few leaders are engaged in blackmail tactics. He highlighted that substantial investments are being made in Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for crops in Punjab and Haryana, with the Government spending approximately Rs one lakh crore annually on MSP alone, covering wheat, rice, sugarcane, and cotton. Despite this, he alleged that the farmer leaders are misleading the public and hindering development projects.
 
Also addressing the recent claims by farmer leaders about being denied access to Delhi, Bittu made it clear that no one was barred from entering Delhi while asserting that any individual carrying weapons or explosives would be stopped, but peaceful protestors and visitors were welcome. He urged the public not to be misled by false narratives.
 
Bittu further pledged that he would uphold the honour of both Rajasthan and Punjab, promising to address the needs of farmers and other constituents in his new role. He expressed his determination to ensure that the BJP’s development projects and welfare schemes reach the rural areas of Rajasthan, enhancing crop branding and processing.
 
After filing his nominations, Bittu excuded confidence in winning the by-polls saying that his ‘karmabhoomi’ will be Punjab and Rajasthan. “I will be elected to the Rajya Sabha from Rajasthan. This is also right that other parties had not fielded any candidate, so this is a very big victory for the BJP here. It is a matter of great happiness for Rajasthan because just a few days ago, our Chandigarh Administrator and our Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria, who has been an MLA for more than eight times, took charge…So Rajasthan and Punjab, from where I come, both are always ready for the protection of the country, for the pride of the country, for the turban of the country…Now, my karmabhoomi will be Punjab and Rajasthan,” he said.
 
Further asserting that in 2027 assembly polls, the BJP would form the government in Punjab. “I can say with confidence that all the workers and leaders of Punjab are confident that they will bring a BJP Government in Punjab in 2027,” he added.
 
Earlier today, Bittu filed his nomination in Jaipur, accompanied by Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, Deputy CMs — Diya Kumari and Prem Chand Bairwa, and State Minister Jogaram Patel. After filing nomination, they attended a meeting held in the Legislative Assembly, in Jaipur along with other BJP MLAs and ministers of the state government.
 
Notably, Bittu lost the Lok Sabha polls from Ludhiana but is presently the Union Minister of State for Railways and Food Processing Industries. The by-elections to 12 Rajya Sabha seats are scheduled to be held on September 3.