India, Feb. 4 -- A heated verbal exchange broke out between Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu at Parliament on Tuesday, adding to the charged political atmosphere amid ongoing protests by Opposition MPs.

The confrontation took place near the Makar Dwar during a demonstration by Congress members ahead of the day's proceedings.

As Bittu walked past the protesting MPs, Gandhi called him a "traitor friend," a remark that drew an immediate, sharp response from the BJP leader.

He also refused to shake hands with Gandhi, who had briefly extended his hand during the exchange.

The altercation followed Bittu's comment on the protesting Congress MPs, whom he reportedly said were "sitting as if they had won ...