Rahul Gandhi: It all began with a controversy stemming from a statement by Congress MP Rahul Gandhi with regard to the Sikh community of India. The protest came with a high-profile demonstration led by a BJP-backed Sikh group outside the residence of Rahul Gandhi in Delhi, raising the political stakes with regard to Rahul Gandhi’s comment.
Rahul Gandhi’s Controversial Remarks in the US
Rahul Gandhi, on a four-day visit to the United States, also attended a gathering of Indian Americans in Herndon, Virginia. In the speech, he spoke about religious freedoms in India, citing, “The fight is about whether a Sikh is going to be allowed to wear his turban in India or a kada in India. Or he, as a Sikh, is going to be able to go to gurdwara. That’s what the fight is about. And not just for him, for all religions.” The statement has spurred sufficient controversy and criticism from various political quarters back home.
The BJP has accused him of trying to build a “dangerous narrative” by raising sensitive topics abroad and that his statements demoralize India and the Sikhs. Following the accusations, a section of Sikh protesters, backed by the BJP, held a protest demonstration outside the residence of Gandhi at 10 Janpath, Delhi. Holding placards with messages like “Why does Rahul Gandhi defame Sikhs after going abroad? Shame on you”, they tried to show their resentment.
High-Tension Protest at Gandhi’s Residence
High tension marked the protest as the agitators tried to breach the police barricades laid on Janpath road. However, the latter managed to maintain their reign and detained several key personalities, including BJP leader RP Singh, while trying to stage a protest.
RP Singh lashed out at Gandhi’s remarks and said he should tender an apology for ‘maliciously defaming’ the Sikh community. He referred to the statement of Gandhi as an attempt to destroy the prestige of the country. Singh further repeated that it was not the first time that Rahul Gandhi was indulging in defamation against India using foreign platforms. The protesters included women also, chanting slogans and demanding action against Gandhi over his remarks.
Protestors Highlight 1984 Anti-Sikh Riots
The protest also brought up old wounds, as some protestors blamed the Congress party for the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. Union Minister Giriraj Singh even went as far as to fan the flames of controversy when he linked Gandhi’s actions to anti-national forces and called for disciplinary action against him, even suspension of his LoP membership. This running dispute underlines the deep-seated political and communal tensions in India, bringing into sharp relief the sensitivity of discussing issues of religious freedoms and the impact of international comments on domestic politics.