Hardeep Puri Criticizes Rahul Gandhi Over Remarks on Sikh Practices, BJP-RSS Divide
Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri has launched a sharp attack on Congress MP Rahul Gandhi for comments made during his US tour. Mr. Gandhi, speaking to Indian diaspora members, criticized the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and described the political divide with the BJP as ideological, citing examples of religious freedoms, including the right of Sikhs to wear a turban or kada.
“Spreading a Dangerous Narrative”
Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri accused Mr. Gandhi of promoting a “dangerous narrative” among the Indian diaspora, criticizing the government and its ideology while holding the position of Leader of the Opposition. He particularly took issue with Gandhi’s remarks on the challenges faced by Sikhs in practicing their religion.
“He said members of the Sikh community have difficulty wearing a turban or kada. Where is he getting this information from?” Mr. Puri said, adding, “I have worn a turban for over 60 years and a kada for longer, and never heard anyone express such concerns.”
Puri also recalled the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, which followed the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, saying, “Yes, during that time, some of my brothers, fearing for their lives, may have temporarily shed their turbans, but not since then.”
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Criticism of Gandhi’s US Tour Comments
Mr. Puri continued his critique, pointing to Rahul Gandhi’s broader attacks on India’s government and institutions during his US tour. “He has attacked the legal system, questioned the outcome of elections, and criticized the freezing of Congress’ accounts, all while failing to acknowledge India’s development over the past decade.”
“Existential Crisis for Sikhs”
The minister expressed disappointment at Mr. Gandhi’s remarks on religious freedom, particularly in relation to the Sikh community. “The only time India’s Sikhs faced an existential crisis was when Rahul Gandhi’s family was in power,” Puri said, referring to the 1984 riots where over 3,000 Sikhs were killed.
Rajiv Gandhi’s Controversial Comments
Puri further mentioned Rajiv Gandhi’s controversial comment, “When a big tree falls, the earth shakes,” in the context of the 1984 riots, calling it “as close to a justification for targeting a minority community as I have seen.”
BJP Leader Manjinder Sirsa Joins the Criticism
National Secretary of the BJP, Manjinder Singh Sirsa, also condemned Rahul Gandhi’s comments. Sirsa accused Mr. Gandhi of “stooping low” by alleging that Sikhs in India cannot wear their religious symbols. “India is proud of its Sikhs, and you are using this narrative to divide the country,” Sirsa said.
#WATCH | Delhi: On Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi's statement, Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri says, "…I have been wearing 'Turban' and 'Kada' for more than the last 60 years and I have never come across anyone who would say that they have any difficulty in wearing a 'Turban' and… pic.twitter.com/Q8hWFB5DGD
— ANI (@ANI) September 10, 2024
Rahul Gandhi’s Comments on BJP-RSS Divide
Rahul Gandhi, during his interaction in Virginia, had stressed that the political fight between the BJP and the opposition was not just about politics but about freedom of religious practice. He used the analogy of a thali (plate of food) to describe how everything in India works together, criticizing the BJP for giving undue importance to certain aspects while ignoring others.
Gandhi’s remarks, particularly regarding religious freedom and the ideological divide, have stirred strong reactions from BJP leaders, further intensifying the political discourse.
