Rahul Gandhi courts controversy over remarks on religious freedom and Sikh Community in US; BJP reacts
PTC Web Desk: Congress MP and Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi has triggered a fresh political storm with his remarks on the state of religious freedom in India, particularly citing the Sikh community, during his ongoing visit to the United States.
Rahul Gandhi has courted controversy as his comments were met with sharp criticism from leaders of the ruling BJP, including Union Ministers Giriraj Singh and Hardeep Singh Puri.
Addressing an event in Herndon, Virginia, United States, on Monday, Rahul Gandhi made a bold statement highlighting the challenges faced by the Sikh community in India. He said, "The fight (in India) is about whether a Sikh is going to be allowed to wear a turban, whether a Sikh will be allowed to wear a kada or go to the Gurudwara. That’s what the fight is about, and it’s not just for Sikhs but for all religions."
Rahul Gandhi's comments were part of a series of speeches made during his US visit, where he has targeted the ruling government on multiple fronts, including economic policies, rising unemployment, and the influence of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) on national politics.
BJP leaders responded swiftly and aggressively to Rahul Gandhi's statements. National spokesperson RP Singh flayed Rahul Gandhi for focusing on religious discrimination while allegedly ignoring the Congress party's own history concerning the Sikh community, particularly referencing the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.
"In 1984, 3,000 Sikhs were massacred in Delhi, their turbans were taken off, their hair chopped, and their beards shaved. He doesn’t mention that this happened when the Congress was in power," RP Singh said, accusing Rahul Gandhi of selectively discussing religious freedom.
RP Singh also challenged Rahul Gandhi to repeat his remarks on Indian soil, warning of legal consequences. "I will file a case against him and drag him to court," he said.
Union Minister Giriraj Singh also slammed Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of hypocrisy and trying to deflect attention from Congress' controversial past. He referenced the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, which occurred following the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, as an example of Congress' long history of communal strife. He also ridiculed Rahul Gandhi’s claim that the Congress would secure 400 seats in the upcoming elections, calling it an unrealistic aspiration given the party’s consistent electoral losses.
Hardeep Singh Puri, Union Minister and a prominent Sikh leader, strongly condemned Rahul Gandhi's remarks. “I am a proud Sikh, and I have been wearing a turban for over six decades and a kada for even longer. Under this government, the Sikh community has never felt safer or more honoured,” Puri said.
- With inputs from agencies
