Ravneet Singh Bittu says he wants to return to Punjab politics after 17 years in Parliament

Ravneet Singh Bittu, Union Minister of State for Railways and Food Processing Industries, declared his plans to contest Punjab’s upcoming assembly elections, ending his 17-year tenure in Parliament. Speaking after Punjab BJP president Kewal Singh Dhillon assumed charge, Bittu emphasized his commitment to grassroots work in Punjab, stating, 'I feel like coming to Vidhan Sabha and work for Punjab.' He framed his return as a mission to connect with voters directly, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision. Bittu’s announcement contrasts with Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s public remarks, who claimed the BJP leader would soon lose both his ministerial role and Rajya Sabha seat. Mann suggested Bittu’s move was an attempt to prove his worth by winning the assembly polls, scheduled for early 2025. Bittu, however, dismissed concerns, asserting the BJP would form the government in Punjab by 2027 and promising a 'double-engine' governance model focused on state development. Bittu’s political journey includes three terms as a Lok Sabha MP under the Congress party, representing Anandpur Sahib (2009) and Ludhiana (2014, 2019). After joining the BJP ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, he unsuccessfully contested Ludhiana, losing to Congress candidate Amrinder Singh Raja Warring. His family’s political legacy ties to his grandfather, former Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh, assassinated in 1995. The BJP’s outreach strategy in Punjab appears to hinge on Bittu’s return, with the party positioning him as a key figure to rally support ahead of the 2027 elections. His focus on village-level engagement and Modi’s development narrative signals a shift toward local mobilization. Meanwhile, Mann’s response underscores the competitive political climate in Punjab, where the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) seeks to retain its foothold.