Rahul Gandhi Defends Remarks on Sikhs, Slams BJP's 'Desperate Attempts to Silence'

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi defended his comments on Sikhs and Indian society made during his U.S. visit, accusing the BJP of spreading lies and trying to silence him. Gandhi emphasized India's core values of unity, diversity, and equality, amid rising tensions between Congress and BJP leaders.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, serving as the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, defended his statements about Sikhs and other segments of Indian society made during his recent visit to the United States. Gandhi accused the BJP of deploying lies and making desperate efforts to silence him, asserting that he will always champion the values that define India.

"I want to ask every Sikh brother and sister in India and abroad: Is there anything wrong with what I have said? Shouldn't India be a country where every Sikh—and every Indian—can freely practice their religion without fear?" he questioned. Gandhi stressed that the BJP is engaging in habitual falsehoods and is desperate to mute him because they cannot tolerate the truth. "I will always speak up for India's defining values: our unity in diversity, equality, and love," he added.

Gandhi also shared a clip of his speech from the U.S., clarifying that the fight transcends politics and concerns basic freedoms for all religions. He criticized the RSS for perpetuating hierarchy among states, religions, languages, and communities, contrasting his view of an inclusive India.

A heated exchange continued as BJP leaders, including Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu, harshly criticized Gandhi. Bittu labeled Gandhi the "country's number 1 terrorist", a remark condemned by Congress leaders who plan to pursue legal action against such inflammatory language.

Senior Congress figures, including KC Venugopal and Abhishek Manu Singhvi, announced that the party would seek legal remedies to ensure the punishment of those issuing threats. They claimed these attacks followed a deliberate plan to curb Gandhi's rising popularity, highlighting the BJP's panic mode in response to his actions.

A complaint was filed by Congress treasurer Ajay Maken at the Tughlak Road police station, listing threats by BJP affiliates. A Public Interest Litigation has also been lodged in the Delhi High Court against Bittu over his inflammatory remarks.

Meanwhile, BJP leaders, including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi, contended that Gandhi's statements were misleading and harmful, emphasizing the valuable role of the Sikh community in India's cultural preservation.

(With inputs from agencies.)