Congress MP Rahul Gandhi has addressed the recent controversy surrounding his remarks on Sikh rights, which drew significant backlash from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). During a speech in Washington D.C. on September 10, 2024, Gandhi emphasized religious freedom, specifically referring to the rights of Sikhs to practice their faith openly in India. His comments sparked a response from the BJP, which accused him of stoking fear and spreading misinformation.
In a recent social media post, Gandhi firmly denied these accusations, accusing the BJP of spreading lies. He expressed his concern over the political party’s attempts to silence him because, according to him, they “cannot stand the truth.” Gandhi asked whether there was anything wrong with his statements and posed the rhetorical question: “Shouldn’t India be a country where every Sikh—and every Indian—can freely practice their religion without fear?” His remarks highlighted issues surrounding freedom of religion and unity in diversity, which he believes are essential to India’s values.
The BJP, however, interpreted his comments differently. Several Sikh groups, aligned with the BJP, criticized Gandhi for creating an “atmosphere of fear” and urged him to retract his statements. Union Minister Nityanand Rai and BJP leader Manjinder Singh Sirsa emphasized the historical contributions and sacrifices of Sikhs to India, reinforcing their stance that there is no discrimination against the community under BJP rule.
Gandhi’s remarks in the U.S. also referenced the challenges Sikhs face in India regarding their religious practices, such as wearing turbans and kara (a Sikh bracelet). He extended the issue to encompass all religious groups, making it clear that the fight for religious freedom is not only about Sikhs but about safeguarding the rights of all communities to practice their beliefs without interference.
Despite the political tensions, Gandhi remains firm in his commitment to speaking out for equality, love, and religious harmony. He vowed to continue advocating for these values, which he considers to be central to India’s identity, despite attempts by the BJP to undermine his stance(DNA India)(India Today)
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