During a recent Q&A session at Brown University, US, Rahul Gandhi faced a pointed question from a Sikh man regarding the Congress Party’s past, especially its involvement in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. Gandhi acknowledged the party’s historical mistakes and stated he was willing to take responsibility for everything the Congress has ever done wrong. He also reiterated his regret over the tragic events of the 1980s, even though he wasn’t directly involved at the time.
The confrontation occurred after Gandhi had made statements questioning religious freedoms in India under the BJP’s rule. The Sikh man challenged Gandhi’s remarks, expressing concerns about Sikh rights and freedom of expression under the Congress regime. He pointed out that the Congress party’s past record, including its links to individuals like Sajjan Kumar, who was convicted for his role in the riots, lacked accountability. The man asked why the party continues to shield such individuals despite their crimes.
In his response, Gandhi focused on his concern over the BJP’s approach to religious expression, emphasizing the need for a nation where people could express their faith freely. He acknowledged the Congress party’s mistakes but clarified that many of them occurred when he wasn’t in leadership. Gandhi also expressed personal regret for the 1984 riots, noting his frequent visits to the Golden Temple and strong relations with the Sikh community in India.
The interaction, which went viral on social media, sparked reactions from the BJP. Amit Malviya, BJP’s IT cell chief, criticized Gandhi for what he called “fear-mongering” during his US visit, claiming that the Congress leader was now facing ridicule globally. BJP leader Manjinder Singh Sirsa accused Gandhi of evading the truth and using his visit to Darbar Sahib as an excuse to avoid taking real responsibility for the party’s actions. He labeled Gandhi’s response as a “political pretense” rather than an apology.
Moreover, BJP spokesperson RP Singh demanded that Gandhi expel prominent Congress leaders linked to the riots, such as Jagdish Tytler and Kamal Nath, if he truly sought accountability. Gandhi’s 2024 remark on religious freedoms in India had already drawn controversy, highlighting concerns over Sikh practices, such as wearing turbans and visiting Gurdwaras, under the current political climate.
The 1984 anti-Sikh riots were triggered by the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, following which thousands of Sikhs were killed in brutal violence across India. Although the Congress party has expressed regret over the years, including apologies from Rahul Gandhi and his family, the scars of that dark chapter continue to affect the Sikh community’s relationship with the party.
