Union Minister of State Ravneet Singh Bittu on Wednesday struck a conciliatory tone over the controversy surrounding the Punjabi film ‘Satluj’, posting a series of messages on social media that appeared to signal an end to his public confrontation with singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Punjab.
In one of the posts, Bittu shared a photograph of Dosanjh along with a video carrying a message of communal harmony. Referring to the festivals of Hola and Holi. “Hola belongs to Gobind and Holi belongs to Gobind too. Both colours are of Gobind,” he said, while underlining the need for unity and coexistence between communities.
In a separate video message, the minister said his commitment to Punjab and the country would continue, adding that his efforts were aimed at preventing conflict rather than fuelling it. “I will keep trying to ensure that the forest does not catch fire. I am only trying to pour a drop of water on it,” he said.
ਦੋਨੋ ਰੰਗ ਗੋਬਿੰਦ ਦੇ, ਇੱਕ ਹੋਲਾ, ਇੱਕ ਹੋਲੀ” 🌸✨
ਹੋਲਾ ਹੈ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਆਨੰਦਪੁਰ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਦਾ, ਮਥੁਰਾ ਦੀ ਹੋਲੀ ਹੈ… ਦੋਨੋ ਰੰਗ ਗੋਬਿੰਦ ਦੇ, ਇਸ ਮਾਨਵਤਾ ਲਈ ਅਸੀਂ ਸਾਰੇ ਇੱਕ ਹਾਂ। pic.twitter.com/t0lqnQVPde— Ravneet Singh Bittu (@RavneetBittu) July 15, 2026
Drawing an analogy with a bird attempting to extinguish a forest fire by carrying drops of water in its beak, Bittu said he wanted history to remember him among those who tried to douse tensions rather than those who added to them. The remarks were widely seen as an attempt to lower the political temperature surrounding the issue.
The latest statements mark a noticeable shift from Bittu’s earlier stand, during which he had repeatedly criticised the content of ‘Satluj’ and shared posts highlighting victims of militancy in Punjab. He had also challenged the filmmakers to produce a film based on the life of a government school principal who was killed during the militancy years.
Political observers said the change in tone comes after criticism from within the BJP as well as sections of the Sikh community. Several party leaders, including senior advocate HS Phoolka and National Commission for Minorities Chairman Iqbal Singh Lalpura, had publicly urged restraint and advised against allowing the issue to deepen social divisions.
The controversy had also spilled over onto social media, where abusive campaigns and threatening posts targeting Bittu surfaced. At the same time, sections of the Sikh community opposed his campaign against the film, prompting concerns that the issue could further polarise public sentiment.
With Prime Minister Narendra Modi scheduled to visit Punjab, Bittu’s latest messages are being viewed as an effort to emphasise peace, communal harmony and social cohesion, while drawing a line under a controversy that had generated sharp political and public reactions over the past several days.