August 10, 2026

2026

Makkah hailstorm alert: Heavy rain and strong winds forecast across Saudi Arabia | World News

Makkah hailstorm alert: Heavy rain and strong winds forecast across Saudi Arabia | World News

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Hailstorm Warning Issued for Mecca as Thunderstorms Intensify / Image: file The National Center for Meteorology (NCM) has issued an urgent weather alert for the Makkah region, forecasting a significant shift from the typical dry heat to intense winter storms. As of February 4, 2026, meteorologists are tracking a weather system capable of producing moderate…

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Aayi Mandapam monument in Puducherry The Union Territory (UT) of Puducherry will go to the polls in April. A former French colony, Puducherry—earlier known as Pondicherry—continues to maintain a strong cultural connection with France.Puducherry has a unique judicial system, as a significant number of people living there are French citizens, including Indian-origin individuals who were born and brought up in the Union territory and follow French laws rather than Indian legislation, unlike the rest of the country.Puducherry’s French connection, therefore, also extends to its legal system, where some French-era laws remain in force, while others have been repealed or replaced by Indian legislation.As Puducherry heads to the polls, here is a look at some French laws that are still in effect in the UT.How Pondicherry became French colonyPondicherry’s association with France dates back to 1673, when the French East India Company laid the foundations of the settlement. The territory was captured by the Dutch in 1693, who held it for six years, and later by the British, who seized control in 1761 and ruled for two years.During the French Revolution, the British captured Pondicherry again in 1793, returning it to France in 1814. When the British consolidated their rule over India in the 1850s, they allowed the French to retain control of the territory. Puducherry historyFollowing India’s independence in 1947, momentum grew for the merger of France’s possessions in former British India with the newly independent nation.Modern PuducherryIn October 1954, the governments of India and France reached an agreement under which France transferred its administrative authority over Pondicherry to India, with November 1 marking the de facto date of transfer.The French ceded full control of Pondicherry to India in 1962, and the region became a UT in 1963, bringing it under the direct control of the central government. The lieutenant governor, appointed by the Centre, serves as the constitutional head, while the chief minister, elected by the people, along with the council of ministers, manages the day-to-day administration. Modern PuducherryIn 2006, the Union territory was officially renamed Puducherry. Of its four districts, Puducherry—home to the capital city of the same name—and Karaikal are surrounded by Tamil Nadu, while Mahe and Yanam are enclaves within Kerala and Andhra Pradesh, respectively.Treaty of Cession — and the ‘renoncants’In addition to its colonial past, Puducherry has retained some French-era laws also under the Treaty of Cession signed between India and France in 1956. These laws deal with personal matters such as marriage, divorce, adoption, and succession, etc., and apply to “renoncants.”Treaty of Cession: This agreement officially transferred the French territories of Pondicherry, Karaikal, Mahe, and Yanam to India. Even though India had already taken control earlier on a de facto basis, the treaty legally finalised the transfer. It clarified important matters such as citizenship options for residents, protection of property rights, continuation of French cultural and educational institutions, and acceptance of French educational qualifications in India. The treaty contains 31 articles and came into full effect after its ratification in 1962.Renoncants: After the Treaty was ratified on 16 August 1962, the Citizenship (Pondicherry) Order, 1962, provided that French nationals living in Pondicherry, including those born there, would become Indian citizens by default. However, from that date, they were given six months to choose whether they wanted to remain French citizens or become Indian citizens. In the case of minors, the choice was made by their parent or guardian, and the minor could confirm or change this choice within six months after turning 18.Those who chose French citizenship are known as “renoncants,” a term derived from the word “renounce,” meaning “to give up.” In 1975, the-then Minister of State for Home Affairs, Om Mehta, defined renoncants as follows: Om Mehta quoteBecause renoncants are French nationals, the French Civil Code applies to them, and applies regardless of their religion.French laws still in PuducherryAs of September 2010, the Government of Puducherry had enacted 443 acts. The UT retains its connection with France through the following laws:Official language: French is one of the five official languages of the Union territory, alongside Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and English. However, Tamil is by far the most widely spoken language, used by 88% of the population, which stood at 12.44 lakh as per the 2011 Census. Education: The Treaty of Cession required the Indian government to accept certain French educational qualifications as equivalent to Indian degrees, allowing holders to pursue higher education and government or administrative jobs in India. Under Article 24 of the treaty, the Indian government must ensure that the French Institute of Pondicherry continues to function as a center for research and higher education.Citizenship: Although it is generally not permitted, a non-renoncant may be eligible for French citizenship through descent. This stems from the Treaty of Cession, under which every individual in Pondicherry who was a French citizen at the time of the merger was given six months to decide which country’s citizenship they would retain, and many chose to remain French. As a result, a number of French citizens of Indian origin have been living in Puducherry for years. Marriage: Under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, a girl cannot marry before she is 18 and a boy not before he is 21. However, under French law, the minimum age for marriage is 18 for both genders. This means that a male renoncant can marry before he turns 21.Additionally, under the French Civil Code, the absence of free consent from even one of the two individuals, who are getting married, renders a marriage null and void.Divorce: In 2021, the Karnataka high court granted a divorce under the French law, ruling that the spouses were descendants of inhabitants of Pondicherry governed by the civil code. The court held that French law would continue to apply to renoncants and their descendants, and that other personal laws would not be applicable to the couple.Adoption and succession: The adoption and succession laws for renoncants in Puducherry can be better understood through the CS Nataraja Pillai vs. CS Subbaraya Chettiar case. The dispute involved the validity of an adoption made by a widow under French law, which was recognised by French courts but would not have been valid under British Indian law at the time. The Madras high court upheld the French court’s declaration and ruled that the adoption must be recognised because the parties were governed by French personal law in Pondicherry. The case highlights the enduring influence of French legal norms in Puducherry, particularly in matters of personal status and inheritance, and underscores why certain French laws continue to apply to renoncants and their descendants.The Goa parallel-and differencesIn many respects, Puducherry can be compared to Goa, as both were formerly European colonies. Goa, a former Portuguese colony, follows the Goa Civil Code, derived from the Portuguese Civil Code, which applies uniformly to all Goans. Portuguese influence remains visible in the Goan society even today. The Goa Civil Code:Authored by Viscount Antonio Luis de Seabra, a Portuguese judgeAlso known as “Seabra’s code”Has over 2,500 articlesHas four parts: capacity to have and enjoy rights; marriage and succession; property; and enforcement and protection of rightsHowever, Goa also differs from Puducherry in several respects: it is a full state, unlike Puducherry, which is a Union Territory; unlike Puducherry’s transfer under the India–France treaty, Goa was liberated from Portuguese rule by force in 1961 (and therefore Goans born before December 19, 1961—the date on which India ended Portuguese rule in Goa—are eligible to seek Portuguese citizenship); and, unlike French in Puducherry, Portuguese is not an official language in Goa.How Puducherry is keeping its French heritage alivePuducherry today still vibrantly reflects its French colonial legacy. The city’s landmarks and monuments, such as the French Quarter (White Town), Our Lady of Angels Church (Église Notre-Dame des Anges), the French War Memorial, Aayi Mandapam, and Promenade Beach (Plage de la Promenade), showcase its Indo-French heritage through well-preserved colonial architecture. The French influence also extends to everyday life, with French cuisine, cafés, and bakeries offering croissants and baguettes alongside Tamil classics. A large number of residents still speak French and celebrate national events like Bastille Day (14 July) with enthusiasm. Together, these elements make Puducherry a living mosaic of French and Indian culture that continues to enchant visitors today.About the AuthorKaran ManralKaran Manral is a journalist at the Times of India. He covers politics, social issues, and international affairs, exploring stories that affect people’s everyday lives. He also writes explainers to make these stories easier for readers to follow.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosIndia-US Trade Deal Vs India-EU FTA: Which Agreement Delivers Bigger Exports Jobs And GrowthKorean ‘Love Game’ Under Lens After Ghaziabad Sisters Suicide Raises Alarm On Digital AddictionPolitical Storm Erupts As Rahul Gandhi, Ravneet Bittu Clash, Cong Targets PM Modi On Epstein FilesPiyush Goyal Defends India-US Trade Deal in Lok Sabha, Says Farmers And Dairy Interests Fully Safe’Sorry Papa’: Suicide Note From Three Sisters In Ghaziabad Triggers Debate On Gaming AddictionMamata Banerjee Takes SIR Battle Against Election Commission To Supreme Court, Openly Challenges BJPChina Backs BRICS Presidency, Highlights Record Trade Growth With India Amid Diplomatic ResetUS Lawmaker Rich McCormick Hails Trade Deal, Says India, US Key To Global Peace, Economic StabilityJaishankar Meets Rubio As India-US Partnership Moves Beyond Trade Deal Into Global Strategic Axis“India Will Buy Oil From US…” White House After Trade Deal123PhotostoriesBengaluru plans 800-metre flyover to decongest Iblur Junction; ORR travel time to dropIs your rice real? Simple home checks for “plastic rice” and 5 recipes to tryBest-rated BTS tours: From ‘Love Yourself’ to ‘The Wings’ toursTop 5 real estate hotspots in Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) in 2026Why BMW cars are so expensive: The features that make them stand outWhat is the difference between a lease and a rent agreement7 parenting lessons from Violet BridgertonHow vintage furniture shapes modern comfort10 most mispronounced food words and their correct pronunciation5 unique wildlife species found in the Indian Himalayas123Hot PicksBudget 2026Gold Silver PricesParliament Budget SessionRelationship consentIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays February 2026Bank Holidays februaryTop TrendingArtemi PanarinMLB Trade RumorsAyesha CurryKayla NicoleNHL Injury UpdatePuka NacuaRussell WilsonDenver Nuggets vs Detroit PistonsNikola JokicGold Riyadh Players Ranking

Aayi Mandapam monument in Puducherry The Union Territory (UT) of Puducherry will go to the polls in April. A former French colony, Puducherry—earlier known as Pondicherry—continues to maintain a strong cultural connection with France.Puducherry has a unique judicial system, as a significant number of people living there are French citizens, including Indian-origin individuals who were born and brought up in the Union territory and follow French laws rather than Indian legislation, unlike the rest of the country.Puducherry’s French connection, therefore, also extends to its legal system, where some French-era laws remain in force, while others have been repealed or replaced by Indian legislation.As Puducherry heads to the polls, here is a look at some French laws that are still in effect in the UT.How Pondicherry became French colonyPondicherry’s association with France dates back to 1673, when the French East India Company laid the foundations of the settlement. The territory was captured by the Dutch in 1693, who held it for six years, and later by the British, who seized control in 1761 and ruled for two years.During the French Revolution, the British captured Pondicherry again in 1793, returning it to France in 1814. When the British consolidated their rule over India in the 1850s, they allowed the French to retain control of the territory. Puducherry historyFollowing India’s independence in 1947, momentum grew for the merger of France’s possessions in former British India with the newly independent nation.Modern PuducherryIn October 1954, the governments of India and France reached an agreement under which France transferred its administrative authority over Pondicherry to India, with November 1 marking the de facto date of transfer.The French ceded full control of Pondicherry to India in 1962, and the region became a UT in 1963, bringing it under the direct control of the central government. The lieutenant governor, appointed by the Centre, serves as the constitutional head, while the chief minister, elected by the people, along with the council of ministers, manages the day-to-day administration. Modern PuducherryIn 2006, the Union territory was officially renamed Puducherry. Of its four districts, Puducherry—home to the capital city of the same name—and Karaikal are surrounded by Tamil Nadu, while Mahe and Yanam are enclaves within Kerala and Andhra Pradesh, respectively.Treaty of Cession — and the ‘renoncants’In addition to its colonial past, Puducherry has retained some French-era laws also under the Treaty of Cession signed between India and France in 1956. These laws deal with personal matters such as marriage, divorce, adoption, and succession, etc., and apply to “renoncants.”Treaty of Cession: This agreement officially transferred the French territories of Pondicherry, Karaikal, Mahe, and Yanam to India. Even though India had already taken control earlier on a de facto basis, the treaty legally finalised the transfer. It clarified important matters such as citizenship options for residents, protection of property rights, continuation of French cultural and educational institutions, and acceptance of French educational qualifications in India. The treaty contains 31 articles and came into full effect after its ratification in 1962.Renoncants: After the Treaty was ratified on 16 August 1962, the Citizenship (Pondicherry) Order, 1962, provided that French nationals living in Pondicherry, including those born there, would become Indian citizens by default. However, from that date, they were given six months to choose whether they wanted to remain French citizens or become Indian citizens. In the case of minors, the choice was made by their parent or guardian, and the minor could confirm or change this choice within six months after turning 18.Those who chose French citizenship are known as “renoncants,” a term derived from the word “renounce,” meaning “to give up.” In 1975, the-then Minister of State for Home Affairs, Om Mehta, defined renoncants as follows: Om Mehta quoteBecause renoncants are French nationals, the French Civil Code applies to them, and applies regardless of their religion.French laws still in PuducherryAs of September 2010, the Government of Puducherry had enacted 443 acts. The UT retains its connection with France through the following laws:Official language: French is one of the five official languages of the Union territory, alongside Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and English. However, Tamil is by far the most widely spoken language, used by 88% of the population, which stood at 12.44 lakh as per the 2011 Census. Education: The Treaty of Cession required the Indian government to accept certain French educational qualifications as equivalent to Indian degrees, allowing holders to pursue higher education and government or administrative jobs in India. Under Article 24 of the treaty, the Indian government must ensure that the French Institute of Pondicherry continues to function as a center for research and higher education.Citizenship: Although it is generally not permitted, a non-renoncant may be eligible for French citizenship through descent. This stems from the Treaty of Cession, under which every individual in Pondicherry who was a French citizen at the time of the merger was given six months to decide which country’s citizenship they would retain, and many chose to remain French. As a result, a number of French citizens of Indian origin have been living in Puducherry for years. Marriage: Under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, a girl cannot marry before she is 18 and a boy not before he is 21. However, under French law, the minimum age for marriage is 18 for both genders. This means that a male renoncant can marry before he turns 21.Additionally, under the French Civil Code, the absence of free consent from even one of the two individuals, who are getting married, renders a marriage null and void.Divorce: In 2021, the Karnataka high court granted a divorce under the French law, ruling that the spouses were descendants of inhabitants of Pondicherry governed by the civil code. The court held that French law would continue to apply to renoncants and their descendants, and that other personal laws would not be applicable to the couple.Adoption and succession: The adoption and succession laws for renoncants in Puducherry can be better understood through the CS Nataraja Pillai vs. CS Subbaraya Chettiar case. The dispute involved the validity of an adoption made by a widow under French law, which was recognised by French courts but would not have been valid under British Indian law at the time. The Madras high court upheld the French court’s declaration and ruled that the adoption must be recognised because the parties were governed by French personal law in Pondicherry. The case highlights the enduring influence of French legal norms in Puducherry, particularly in matters of personal status and inheritance, and underscores why certain French laws continue to apply to renoncants and their descendants.The Goa parallel-and differencesIn many respects, Puducherry can be compared to Goa, as both were formerly European colonies. Goa, a former Portuguese colony, follows the Goa Civil Code, derived from the Portuguese Civil Code, which applies uniformly to all Goans. Portuguese influence remains visible in the Goan society even today. The Goa Civil Code:Authored by Viscount Antonio Luis de Seabra, a Portuguese judgeAlso known as “Seabra’s code”Has over 2,500 articlesHas four parts: capacity to have and enjoy rights; marriage and succession; property; and enforcement and protection of rightsHowever, Goa also differs from Puducherry in several respects: it is a full state, unlike Puducherry, which is a Union Territory; unlike Puducherry’s transfer under the India–France treaty, Goa was liberated from Portuguese rule by force in 1961 (and therefore Goans born before December 19, 1961—the date on which India ended Portuguese rule in Goa—are eligible to seek Portuguese citizenship); and, unlike French in Puducherry, Portuguese is not an official language in Goa.How Puducherry is keeping its French heritage alivePuducherry today still vibrantly reflects its French colonial legacy. The city’s landmarks and monuments, such as the French Quarter (White Town), Our Lady of Angels Church (Église Notre-Dame des Anges), the French War Memorial, Aayi Mandapam, and Promenade Beach (Plage de la Promenade), showcase its Indo-French heritage through well-preserved colonial architecture. The French influence also extends to everyday life, with French cuisine, cafés, and bakeries offering croissants and baguettes alongside Tamil classics. A large number of residents still speak French and celebrate national events like Bastille Day (14 July) with enthusiasm. Together, these elements make Puducherry a living mosaic of French and Indian culture that continues to enchant visitors today.About the AuthorKaran ManralKaran Manral is a journalist at the Times of India. He covers politics, social issues, and international affairs, exploring stories that affect people’s everyday lives. He also writes explainers to make these stories easier for readers to follow.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosIndia-US Trade Deal Vs India-EU FTA: Which Agreement Delivers Bigger Exports Jobs And GrowthKorean ‘Love Game’ Under Lens After Ghaziabad Sisters Suicide Raises Alarm On Digital AddictionPolitical Storm Erupts As Rahul Gandhi, Ravneet Bittu Clash, Cong Targets PM Modi On Epstein FilesPiyush Goyal Defends India-US Trade Deal in Lok Sabha, Says Farmers And Dairy Interests Fully Safe’Sorry Papa’: Suicide Note From Three Sisters In Ghaziabad Triggers Debate On Gaming AddictionMamata Banerjee Takes SIR Battle Against Election Commission To Supreme Court, Openly Challenges BJPChina Backs BRICS Presidency, Highlights Record Trade Growth With India Amid Diplomatic ResetUS Lawmaker Rich McCormick Hails Trade Deal, Says India, US Key To Global Peace, Economic StabilityJaishankar Meets Rubio As India-US Partnership Moves Beyond Trade Deal Into Global Strategic Axis“India Will Buy Oil From US…” White House After Trade Deal123PhotostoriesBengaluru plans 800-metre flyover to decongest Iblur Junction; ORR travel time to dropIs your rice real? Simple home checks for “plastic rice” and 5 recipes to tryBest-rated BTS tours: From ‘Love Yourself’ to ‘The Wings’ toursTop 5 real estate hotspots in Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) in 2026Why BMW cars are so expensive: The features that make them stand outWhat is the difference between a lease and a rent agreement7 parenting lessons from Violet BridgertonHow vintage furniture shapes modern comfort10 most mispronounced food words and their correct pronunciation5 unique wildlife species found in the Indian Himalayas123Hot PicksBudget 2026Gold Silver PricesParliament Budget SessionRelationship consentIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays February 2026Bank Holidays februaryTop TrendingArtemi PanarinMLB Trade RumorsAyesha CurryKayla NicoleNHL Injury UpdatePuka NacuaRussell WilsonDenver Nuggets vs Detroit PistonsNikola JokicGold Riyadh Players Ranking

Vamsikrishna07 mins mins

Aayi Mandapam monument in Puducherry The Union Territory (UT) of Puducherry will go to the polls in April. A former French colony, Puducherry—earlier known as Pondicherry—continues to maintain a strong cultural connection with France.Puducherry has a unique judicial system, as a significant number of people living there are French citizens, including Indian-origin individuals who were…

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Updated: Feb 04, 2026, 15:42 IST

Updated: Feb 04, 2026, 15:42 IST

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

Traditional wrestling akhadas in Old Delhi, once central to the city’s sporting life, are seeing a steady decline as public interest in desi wrestling reduces and local competitions fade.A former Indian wrestler, who was not named, told news agency IANS that there was a time when dangals near Jama Masjid and other parts of Old…

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‘When I don’t bowl well, I can bat’: England all-rounder on his role ahead of T20 World Cup

‘When I don’t bowl well, I can bat’: England all-rounder on his role ahead of T20 World Cup

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

England’s Sam Curran (AP/PTI) England all-rounder Sam Curran has once again underlined how comfortable he is operating without a rigid brief in the national set-up, a quality that is proving increasingly important as England gather pace ahead of the T20 World Cup. His flexibility stood out during England’s dominant 3–0 T20I clean sweep of Sri…

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Bank of Baroda IT Recruitment 2026: Applications open for 418 Officer, Manager posts; direct link here

Bank of Baroda IT Recruitment 2026: Applications open for 418 Officer, Manager posts; direct link here

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Bank of Baroda has started the online application process for its IT Recruitment 2026 drive. The public sector bank is hiring 418 professionals for Officer, Manager and Senior Manager posts in its Information Technology department. The notification was released on January 30, 2026. Eligible candidates can apply through the official website, bankofbaroda.in. The last date…

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David Zayas replaces Timothy Busfield in ‘Law & Order SVU’ after actor’s arrest for child sexual abuse allegations

David Zayas replaces Timothy Busfield in ‘Law & Order SVU’ after actor’s arrest for child sexual abuse allegations

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

In a surprising turn of events, David Zayas has been cast to fill the shoes of Timothy Busfield for an upcoming episode of ‘Law & Order: SVU.’ This change comes as Busfield faces accusations related to child and sexual abuse, prompting an arrest warrant against him. Trigger warning: This article contains mentions of child and…

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Indian runner sets Guinness record for fastest Manali–Leh run across high Himalayan passes, finishes under 100 hours |

Indian runner sets Guinness record for fastest Manali–Leh run across high Himalayan passes, finishes under 100 hours |

Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

Ever imagined if it’s possible to run across the Himalayas? It’s challenging and won’t be everyone’s cup of tea. And doing it continuously, across five of the region’s highest mountain passes, with thin air, unpredictable weather, and relentless climbs, is something very few endurance athletes will attempt. Good news is in 2023, Indian ultra-distance runner…

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Read Zomato founder Deepinder Goyal’s long note to all those ‘he fired’ and those who resigned

Read Zomato founder Deepinder Goyal’s long note to all those ‘he fired’ and those who resigned

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Zomato founder Deepinder Goyal wants his ex-employees back. In a long note shared on X (formerly Twitter), Goyal invited former employees to return to the company, saying that the organisation has evolved and is ready to welcome people who had moved on earlier. Addressing ex-Zomato employees, including those who left on their own and those…

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Saudi Arabia’s oil giant Saudi Aramco raises billion: Shakes global markets, has Wall Street buzzing

Saudi Arabia’s oil giant Saudi Aramco raises $4 billion: Shakes global markets, has Wall Street buzzing

Vamsikrishna05 mins mins

Saudi Aramco Just Raised $4 Billion And Global Investors Are Rushing In Saudi Arabia’s oil giant, Saudi Aramco, has successfully completed a major $4 billion bond issuance, underscoring strong investor confidence in the company’s financial stability and its strategic capital management approach. The multi-tranche bond sale, a part of Aramco’s Global Medium Term Note Programme,…

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. NEW DELHI: After Rahul Gandhi called Ravneet Bittu a ‘traitor’ while passing by protesting Congress MPs at the Makar Dwar, Union minister Hardeep Singh Puri launched a scathing attack against the Congress leader, calling the remark “unacceptable” and deeply offensive to the Sikh community.”We are not just appearing here as members of BJP but proud and deeply hurt members of Sikh Community. Today, outside Parliament, when our colleague and BJP minister Ravneet Singh Bittu was passing by the place where Rahul Gandhi and his colleagues were protesting, a slogan was raised against him. I want to him toapologise, because when such words are translated into English, the nuance and sentiment often get lost,” said Puri, while addressing a press conference.”The word used was “traitor.” While it is commonly translated as “gaddar,” the full meaning is not conveyed. A traitor is someone who betrays the nation—someone who sells out the country or its secrets. This word should not be used lightly… But who is Bittu ji? He is not just an MP elected from Ludhiana. He is not just from a Sikh family that has served the nation. His family has made sacrifices, and he lost his grandfather to an assassin’s bullet. Calling such a person a traitor is unacceptable,” he added. “Rahul Gandhi used the word ‘traitor’ for Ravneet Bittu today. This word should not be used lightly, as it means one who betrays the country. This is a serious issue for the Sikh community. LoP Rahul Gandhi is upset that Bittu ji left his party, but he also told him that you will come back. Just because a turban-wearing person leaves your party, you call him a traitor. The word he used is unacceptable. To label anyone from any community as a traitor is unacceptable. Parliamentary discourse, both outside and inside the parliament, has to be grounded in decency and in decent language,” Puri added.Delhi minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa also condemned Rahul Gandhi’s remark and instead hit back: “Gandhi family are ‘traitors.'” The remarks came after Bittu, who recently quit Congress and joined the BJP, was publicly called a “traitor” by Rahul Gandhi at the Parliament premises. Gandhi said, “Here is a traitor walking right by. Look at the face,” and offered to shake Bittu’s hand, adding, “Hello, brother, my traitor friend. Don’t worry, you will come back (to Congress).”Bittu refused the handshake and fired back, calling Rahul Gandhi a “Desh ke dushman (enemy of the state).” The Union minsiter also criticised Congress, recalling Operation Blue Star and the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. The exchange reportedly began after Bittu commented on the protesting MPs, saying, “They are sitting as if they won a war.”About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosPolitical Storm Erupts As Rahul Gandhi, Ravneet Bittu Clash, Cong Targets PM Modi On Epstein FilesPiyush Goyal Defends India-US Trade Deal in Lok Sabha, Says Farmers And Dairy Interests Fully Safe’Sorry Papa’: Suicide Note From Three Sisters In Ghaziabad Triggers Debate On Gaming AddictionMamata Banerjee Takes SIR Battle Against Election Commission To Supreme Court, Openly Challenges BJPChina Backs BRICS Presidency, Highlights Record Trade Growth With India Amid Diplomatic ResetUS Lawmaker Rich McCormick Hails Trade Deal, Says India, US Key To Global Peace, Economic StabilityJaishankar Meets Rubio As India-US Partnership Moves Beyond Trade Deal Into Global Strategic Axis“India Will Buy Oil From US…” White House After Trade Deal’India-US Trade Deal Removes Competitive Disadvantage’: Former Indian Envoy To WashingtonIndia-US Trade Deal: Trump Says India Won’t Buy Russian Oil; Rahul Gandhi Accuses PM of Selling Out123PhotostoriesBengaluru plans 800-metre flyover to decongest Iblur Junction; ORR travel time to dropIs your rice real? Simple home checks for “plastic rice” and 5 recipes to tryBest-rated BTS tours: From ‘Love Yourself’ to ‘The Wings’ toursTop 5 real estate hotspots in Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) in 2026Why BMW cars are so expensive: The features that make them stand outWhat is the difference between a lease and a rent agreement7 parenting lessons from Violet BridgertonHow vintage furniture shapes modern comfort10 most mispronounced food words and their correct pronunciation5 unique wildlife species found in the Indian Himalayas123Hot PicksBudget 2026Gold Silver PricesParliament Budget SessionRelationship consentIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays February 2026Bank Holidays februaryTop TrendingArtemi PanarinMLB Trade RumorsAyesha CurryKayla NicoleNHL Injury UpdatePuka NacuaRussell WilsonDenver Nuggets vs Detroit PistonsNikola JokicGold Riyadh Players Ranking

. NEW DELHI: After Rahul Gandhi called Ravneet Bittu a ‘traitor’ while passing by protesting Congress MPs at the Makar Dwar, Union minister Hardeep Singh Puri launched a scathing attack against the Congress leader, calling the remark “unacceptable” and deeply offensive to the Sikh community.”We are not just appearing here as members of BJP but proud and deeply hurt members of Sikh Community. Today, outside Parliament, when our colleague and BJP minister Ravneet Singh Bittu was passing by the place where Rahul Gandhi and his colleagues were protesting, a slogan was raised against him. I want to him toapologise, because when such words are translated into English, the nuance and sentiment often get lost,” said Puri, while addressing a press conference.”The word used was “traitor.” While it is commonly translated as “gaddar,” the full meaning is not conveyed. A traitor is someone who betrays the nation—someone who sells out the country or its secrets. This word should not be used lightly… But who is Bittu ji? He is not just an MP elected from Ludhiana. He is not just from a Sikh family that has served the nation. His family has made sacrifices, and he lost his grandfather to an assassin’s bullet. Calling such a person a traitor is unacceptable,” he added. “Rahul Gandhi used the word ‘traitor’ for Ravneet Bittu today. This word should not be used lightly, as it means one who betrays the country. This is a serious issue for the Sikh community. LoP Rahul Gandhi is upset that Bittu ji left his party, but he also told him that you will come back. Just because a turban-wearing person leaves your party, you call him a traitor. The word he used is unacceptable. To label anyone from any community as a traitor is unacceptable. Parliamentary discourse, both outside and inside the parliament, has to be grounded in decency and in decent language,” Puri added.Delhi minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa also condemned Rahul Gandhi’s remark and instead hit back: “Gandhi family are ‘traitors.'” The remarks came after Bittu, who recently quit Congress and joined the BJP, was publicly called a “traitor” by Rahul Gandhi at the Parliament premises. Gandhi said, “Here is a traitor walking right by. Look at the face,” and offered to shake Bittu’s hand, adding, “Hello, brother, my traitor friend. Don’t worry, you will come back (to Congress).”Bittu refused the handshake and fired back, calling Rahul Gandhi a “Desh ke dushman (enemy of the state).” The Union minsiter also criticised Congress, recalling Operation Blue Star and the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. The exchange reportedly began after Bittu commented on the protesting MPs, saying, “They are sitting as if they won a war.”About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosPolitical Storm Erupts As Rahul Gandhi, Ravneet Bittu Clash, Cong Targets PM Modi On Epstein FilesPiyush Goyal Defends India-US Trade Deal in Lok Sabha, Says Farmers And Dairy Interests Fully Safe’Sorry Papa’: Suicide Note From Three Sisters In Ghaziabad Triggers Debate On Gaming AddictionMamata Banerjee Takes SIR Battle Against Election Commission To Supreme Court, Openly Challenges BJPChina Backs BRICS Presidency, Highlights Record Trade Growth With India Amid Diplomatic ResetUS Lawmaker Rich McCormick Hails Trade Deal, Says India, US Key To Global Peace, Economic StabilityJaishankar Meets Rubio As India-US Partnership Moves Beyond Trade Deal Into Global Strategic Axis“India Will Buy Oil From US…” White House After Trade Deal’India-US Trade Deal Removes Competitive Disadvantage’: Former Indian Envoy To WashingtonIndia-US Trade Deal: Trump Says India Won’t Buy Russian Oil; Rahul Gandhi Accuses PM of Selling Out123PhotostoriesBengaluru plans 800-metre flyover to decongest Iblur Junction; ORR travel time to dropIs your rice real? 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NEW DELHI: After Rahul Gandhi called Ravneet Bittu a ‘traitor’ while passing by protesting Congress MPs at the Makar Dwar, Union minister Hardeep Singh Puri launched a scathing attack against the Congress leader, calling the remark “unacceptable” and deeply offensive to the Sikh community.“We are not just appearing here as members of BJP but proud…

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