BJP leader Amit Malviya recently shared a video on social media claiming that Rahul Gandhi is being mocked not just in India, but internationally. While India TV has not independently verified the video, NDTV reported that the clip is from an interaction that took place two weeks ago at Brown University’s Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs during Rahul Gandhi’s U.S. visit.
Sikh Student Questions Congress’ Past Actions
In the video, a young Sikh man questions Gandhi, accusing him of fearmongering about the BJP and alleging that Congress failed to uphold freedom of expression in the past. “You say there should be no fear in politics. But during Congress rule, we were not allowed freedom of expression. We don’t just want to wear the kara or turban—we want the right to speak freely,” the man stated.
Accusations Against Congress on Historical Issues
The student referred to the Anandpur Sahib Resolution, noting it spoke of Dalit rights, not separatism. He accused the then-Congress government of labeling it as a separatist document. He also mentioned former Congress leader Sajjan Kumar, convicted for his role in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, saying, “There are still many Sajjan Kumars in your party.” He criticized Congress for not reconciling with the Sikh community and warned that such neglect might help the BJP gain ground in Punjab.
Rahul Gandhi’s Response: Acknowledging the Past
Rahul Gandhi responded by saying he doesn’t believe Sikhs are afraid of anything. He clarified that his earlier remarks questioned whether India was becoming a place where people feel uncomfortable expressing their religious identity. On historical wrongs, he said, “Many of those mistakes happened when I wasn’t in politics, but I am happy to take responsibility for them. I’ve publicly said what happened in the 1980s was wrong. I’ve visited the Golden Temple multiple times and have strong ties with the Sikh community.”
Historical Context: The 1984 Turmoil
In the 1980s, under Indira Gandhi’s leadership, the Indian government launched Operation Blue Star to flush out armed separatists, led by Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, from the Golden Temple in Amritsar. The operation severely damaged the Akal Takht and deeply hurt Sikh sentiments. Months later, Indira Gandhi was assassinated by her Sikh bodyguards, triggering nationwide anti-Sikh riots. Over 3,000 Sikhs were killed, mostly in Delhi. Congress was accused of mishandling the aftermath, and Rajiv Gandhi’s infamous statement—”When a big tree falls, the earth shakes”—continues to be used against the party.
BJP’s Ongoing Attacks on Congress
The BJP has repeatedly targeted Congress over its handling of the 1984 riots, using it as a political tool in present-day debates. The resurfacing of this video has reignited conversations around the Congress party’s past and its efforts (or lack thereof) to reconcile with the Sikh community.