Are Rahul Gandhi's Comments on the 1984 Riots Comparable to Mahatma Gandhi's Ideology?

New Delhi, May 5 (NationPress) The remarks by the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, regarding the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, made during a discussion at Brown University in the US, have triggered a major political upheaval. The Congress is portraying him as a statesman akin to Mahatma Gandhi, while the BJP has condemned the party for orchestrating a "drama" and for a long-standing cover-up.

In response to a query about the Congress' involvement in the riots, Gandhi stated, "Much of what transpired occurred when I was not present, yet I am fully prepared to accept responsibility for every wrongdoing in the Congress party's history. I have openly declared that the events of the 80s were wrong. I have visited the Golden Temple numerous times and share a strong bond with the Sikh community in India."

His comments were a reaction to a Sikh participant questioning the Congress party's past treatment of Sikhs and the perceived oppression of the community under its governance.

The Congress, alongside the INDIA bloc, quickly united in support of the LoP.

Senior leader Husain Dalwai remarked to IANS, "Rahul Gandhi's political approach genuinely reflects that of Mahatma Gandhi. It requires a big heart to acknowledge mistakes. During the UPA era, Dr. Manmohan Singh and Sonia Gandhi recognized the injustices faced by Sikhs. That acknowledgment transformed the political climate in Punjab, leading to the Congress regaining power."

"Governance often entails making mistakes, but it's essential to possess the humility to accept and rectify them. Unlike the BJP, which claims it has never erred, we believe in the necessity of generosity in politics," Dalwai added.

Sanjay Raut, a member of Shiv Sena (UBT), also supported LoP Gandhi, stating, "Rahul Gandhi is a politician with a sincere heart. His willingness to accept his errors is commendable. PM Modi and Amit Shah could learn from him."

Mrityunjay Tiwari, spokesperson for the RJD, labeled Gandhi's acknowledgment as a sign of "greatness" and "maturity."

"He did not assign blame to others but took responsibility himself. He has set a commendable example," Tiwari stated to IANS.

Conversely, the BJP launched a vehement counteroffensive, criticizing the Congress for its perceived hypocrisy in "harboring" those convicted in the Sikh riots.

BJP National General Secretary Tarun Chugh accused the Congress and the Gandhi family of shielding the individuals responsible for the 1984 violence.

"In 52 cities, Sikhs were systematically targeted, Gurudwaras were demolished, and Congress leaders involved received Padma Awards and political protection," he told IANS.

"Rahul Gandhi should feel ashamed that Sajjan Kumar, convicted for the 1984 massacre, remains affiliated with the party. His statements are akin to rubbing salt in the wounds of the widows residing nearby," Chugh remarked.

Sarang, a minister in Madhya Pradesh, described Gandhi's comments as "a drama," questioning the appropriateness of making such statements on foreign soil.

"If he were sincere, he ought to have made these admissions in India, not in America," Sarang stated to IANS.

"The Congress has consistently divided society along religious and caste lines. Since gaining independence, it has only incited chaos and divisions within the community. This party engages in politics solely in the name of religion," he added.

BJP leader Parinay Fuke emphasized that the Congress' culpability has been evident for a long time.

"The massacre forced Sikh families to abandon their homes. Rahul Gandhi's acknowledgment reveals that Congress has been untruthful for 40 years," he claimed.

Pratap Sarnaik, a minister in Maharashtra, asserted that the LoP's apology for the events of 1984 illustrates "immaturity."

"Rahul Gandhi should take a cue from Amit Shah and Narendra Modi. If he is apologizing for decisions made in the 1980s, then those responsible for those decisions should apologize as well," he added.