Rahul Gandhi on 1984 anti-Sikh riots: 'Happy to take responsibility for Congress mistakes'

Rahul Gandhi acknowledges Congress' mistakes in the 1984 Sikh riots, stating that many happened while he was not in power. He takes responsibility for the party's wrongdoings and notes that he has publicly condemned the violence and has a good relationship with the Sikh community. Gandhi emphasizes the importance of truth and nonviolence, drawing parallels with other social reformers and thinkers in Indian history.

In a recent interactive session at Brown University, Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition, addressed the 1984 Sikh riots and the Congress party's relationship with the Sikh community. Gandhi acknowledged that many of the "mistakes" committed by the Congress party during this period occurred when he was not in politics. He expressed his willingness to take responsibility for the party's historical wrongdoings [1].

Gandhi emphasized that he has publicly condemned the violence and has a strong relationship with the Sikh community. He noted that he has visited the Golden Temple multiple times and has an "extremely good relationship" with the Sikh community in India [2]. In response to a question from a Sikh student, Gandhi clarified that the statement he made during an earlier visit to the US about the fight over the right to wear turbans was not about fear-mongering but about ensuring that people are comfortable expressing their religion [2].

The interaction sparked controversy and debate, with the BJP criticizing Gandhi's remarks. Amit Malviya, the BJP's IT Cell head, accused Gandhi of not reconciling with the Sikh community and ridiculed his statements about Lord Ram [1]. Malviya defended Lord Ram as a symbol of Hindu values and criticized Gandhi for his comments [1].

Gandhi, however, drew parallels between various social reformers and thinkers in Indian history, emphasizing the importance of truth and nonviolence. He noted that all great political thinkers, including Lord Ram, were not bigots and advocated for a more pluralistic and tolerant society [1]. He also slammed the BJP, calling it a "fringe group" that does not represent the majority of Indian thinkers [1].

The article provides an objective overview of the recent developments and the political discourse surrounding the 1984 Sikh riots and the Congress party's role in it. It highlights Gandhi's acknowledgment of the party's mistakes and his willingness to take responsibility, as well as the BJP's criticism and the broader political context.

References:
[1] https://m.economictimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/i-wasnt-there-during-many-congress-mistakes-but-happy-to-take-responsibility-rahul-gandhi-on-1984-riots/articleshow/120870088.cms
[2] https://www.business-standard.com/politics/rahul-gandhi-sikh-student-1984-riots-responsibility-brown-university-125050400476_1.html