Rahul Gandhi’s Sikh Remarks Spark Controversy

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi stirred up a political storm with his remarks on religious freedom in India, specifically addressing the Sikh community during an event in Herndon, Virginia. Gandhi stated, “The fight in India is about whether a Sikh is going to be allowed to wear a turban, a kada, or go to the Gurudwara.” His statement triggered a strong backlash from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

BJP spokesperson RP Singh criticized Gandhi, reminding him of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots when over 3,000 Sikhs were killed in Delhi under Congress rule. Singh accused Rahul Gandhi of ignoring his own party’s history with the Sikh community and warned of legal repercussions if he repeated such statements in India.

Union Minister Giriraj Singh also condemned Gandhi’s remarks, accusing Congress of indulging in appeasement politics. He questioned the Congress’s record and pointed out that Prime Minister Modi has created a safer environment for all communities in India, including Sikhs.

Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, a prominent Sikh leader, expressed his disappointment, stating that he had been proudly wearing a turban for over 60 years. He recalled the insecurity faced by Sikhs during the 1984 riots, which occurred under Congress rule. Puri accused Rahul Gandhi of spreading a dangerous narrative against the current government.

Other BJP leaders, including Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Kiren Rijiju, criticized Gandhi for making statements against India on foreign soil. Rijiju questioned the wisdom of airing internal differences abroad and stressed the importance of protecting the country’s image internationally.

1984 Anti-Sikh Riots
The 1984 anti-Sikh riots were a series of violent attacks against Sikhs in India, particularly in Delhi, following the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi by her Sikh bodyguards.

Rahul Gandhi’s US Visit
Rahul Gandhi is on a three-day US visit, using the platform to voice criticism against the BJP and engage with the Indian diaspora. The visit is part of a broader outreach effort as India heads towards critical assembly elections.

Aakhir Tak Editor-in-Chief

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