A protest erupted outside the residence of Congress leader Sonia Gandhi in Delhi, led by a BJP-backed Sikh group, in response to remarks made by Rahul Gandhi during his recent visit to the United States. The protesters demanded an apology from Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of making statements that misrepresented the condition of religious freedom in India, particularly concerning the Sikh community.
During his three-day tour in the US, Rahul Gandhi highlighted concerns about religious freedoms in India. He stated that the fight in India was about whether Sikhs would be allowed to wear traditional symbols like turbans, kadas (bracelets), or visit Gurudwaras freely. This comment stirred controversy, with the BJP alleging that Rahul Gandhi frequently made “anti-national” remarks during his trips abroad, which were especially problematic given his position as the Leader of the Opposition.
Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri condemned Rahul Gandhi’s comments, describing them as “sinister” and accusing him of spreading “dangerous narratives.” He further referred to the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, stating that the Sikh community felt its greatest insecurity during Congress rule, particularly when the Gandhi family was in power.
The protest comes at a time when the Congress party has consistently promoted its stance on religious freedom and secularism. However, the remarks have raised tensions amidst growing concerns about the spread of anti-India narratives by certain Sikh expatriate groups.
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