BJP Criticizes Rahul Gandhi Over Sikh Remarks, Congress Defends Charge of 'Injustice'

The BJP has harshly criticized Rahul Gandhi for his comments about the Sikh community, accusing him of inciting discord. Gandhi's comments, made during his US visit, have sparked significant controversy, with the Congress defending him, arguing he highlighted ongoing injustices in India.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has launched a vehement attack on Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, over his remarks concerning the Sikh community, accusing the Congress of inciting division and recalling the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. The Congress has defended Gandhi, claiming he was merely pointing out injustices within the country.

Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri condemned Gandhi, suggesting his statements were baseless and aimed at inciting expatriates. Puri emphasized his personal experience of no difficulty wearing a turban or kada, criticizing Gandhi for being unaware and making remarks worthy of strong condemnation.

Adding to the criticism, Union Minister Giriraj Singh accused the Congress of appeasement politics and condemned Gandhi's electoral confidence as misguided, while BJP leader Manjinder Singh Sirsa denounced Gandhi's apparent anti-Sikh sentiments, labeling him as someone eager to gain power through divisive statements.

BJP leaders including Manoj Tiwari, Shehzad Poonawalla, and Jagdambika Pal accused Gandhi of disparaging India while abroad, arguing he should substitute his critiques with solutions. BJP National General Secretary Dushyant Kumar Gautam and UP Minister Jaiveer Singh echoed these sentiments, branding Gandhi's remarks as harmful to national unity.

Conversely, Congress representatives defended Gandhi. Leaders like V Hanumantha Rao and Srinivas BV backed his statements, arguing the BJP and RSS are divisive. CPI-M leader Subhashini Ali claimed the BJP's policies remain unchanged despite their coalition government status post-elections, supporting the Congress stance on national issues.

In his international interactions, Gandhi maintained that his stance was not political but concerned with fundamental rights, particularly for Sikhs, challenging the climate of fear allegedly fostered by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his administration.

(With inputs from agencies.)