The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has issued a stern challenge to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, urging him to repeat his recent comments about Sikhs in India. The BJP has vowed to file a legal case against Gandhi if he makes similar statements on Indian soil. BJP leader RP Singh criticized Gandhi for not acknowledging the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, where 3,000 Sikhs were reportedly killed during Congress rule.
Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan contrasted Gandhi’s approach with that of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who, as Leader of the Opposition, avoided tarnishing India’s image abroad. Chouhan accused Gandhi of spreading anti-BJP and anti-Modi sentiments and described this behavior as detrimental to national unity.
BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal denounced Gandhi’s remarks as a reaction to the rising popularity of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, claiming that only those involved in corruption would be afraid of Modi. Khandelwal asserted that Gandhi’s statements are misleading and irresponsible.
National spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari accused the Congress party of being fearful and defensive, claiming they are troubled by the exposure of their alleged lies and scandals.
In response, TMC MP Shatrughan Sinha defended Gandhi, suggesting that the BJP always finds fault with his actions and statements. Sinha supported Gandhi’s remarks on unemployment made during his US visit, arguing that they reflect valid concerns.
Rahul Gandhi, currently on a tour of the US, made his comments on Sikh issues during a visit to Virginia. He highlighted concerns about Sikh religious freedoms in India, questioning whether Sikhs will be allowed to wear turbans, carry a kada, or visit Gurdwaras. Gandhi also criticized the atmosphere of fear he believes has been created by the Modi government.