Union Minister of State Ravneet Singh Bittu has expressed his desire to contest the Punjab Assembly elections, saying he wants to return to active state politics after spending nearly 17 years in Parliament and work directly for the people of Punjab.
Speaking to the media, Bittu said he had served in both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha over the past several years but now wished to contribute on the ground in Punjab. His remarks come shortly after the completion of his Rajya Sabha tenure and are being seen as a significant political signal ahead of the next Assembly elections in the state.
The BJP leader said the party’s senior leadership in Punjab had been entrusted with the responsibility of strengthening the organisation and working towards the formation of a “double-engine government” in the state.
“I, along with the entire senior leadership, have packed our bags and kept them in our vehicles. We are now ready to travel across Punjab and work among the people,” Bittu said, indicating that he has already begun grassroots-level political outreach in the state.
Expressing confidence in the Bharatiya Janata Party’s prospects, Bittu said he wanted to help establish a BJP government in Punjab and contribute to the state’s development. He maintained that Punjab could move forward on the path of progress with a BJP-led government.
At the same time, he clarified that any decision regarding his electoral future would be taken by the party leadership. Reiterating his faith in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, Bittu said the BJP functions as a disciplined organisation in which all leaders work according to the party’s directions.
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi is our leader and the entire team works under his guidance. Whatever responsibility or direction the party gives us, we follow it,” he said.
Bittu’s statement has fuelled speculation about a possible Assembly election bid from Ludhiana. In this region, he previously represented voters as a Member of Parliament and continues to enjoy political influence. However, he refrained from indicating any specific constituency and said he would abide by the party’s decision regarding his future role.
Political observers view his comments as an indication of a greater focus on Punjab politics by the BJP leadership as the party intensifies efforts to expand its footprint in the state ahead of the Assembly elections.