Saturday, March 29, 2025
Congress leader’s remarks spark mixed reactions among Sikh community and political observers
During a recent talk show at the Watson Institute in the United States, Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, faced pointed questions from a Sikh student. The student confronted Gandhi about the 1984 anti-Sikh riots and the military assault on Sri Akal Takht Sahib during Operation Blue Star. He asked why Congress failed to punish the accused and why the party continues to shelter them even today.
Responding to the emotional question, Rahul Gandhi said,
“I take responsibility for the injustice faced by the Sikh community.”
He added that while he was not active in politics during the 1980s, he is now in a position of leadership and bears the moral responsibility to ensure that such events never happen again. He acknowledged the pain of the Sikh community and emphasized the religious and emotional significance of the Akal Takht, saying he understands the depth of the wound it caused.
The student also criticized Congress for protecting key individuals allegedly involved in the 1984 riots, including Jagdish Tytler, Sajjan Kumar, and Kamal Nath—some of whom still have links to the party. Rahul Gandhi did not directly address these accusations but reiterated his commitment to preventing similar tragedies in the future.
Rahul Gandhi’s acknowledgment has drawn a range of responses. Some Sikh leaders and community members appreciated the rare admission of responsibility and called it a courageous statement. However, others criticized the Congress party’s continued association with individuals accused of involvement in the riots, pointing out that justice remains incomplete even after four decades.
Rahul Gandhi, speaking at an event in the U.S., accepted moral responsibility for the injustices faced by the Sikh community during the 1984 riots and the attack on Akal Takht Sahib. However, he avoided giving direct answers about the continued presence of accused individuals in the Congress party. His remarks have reignited debate within Sikh circles and the wider political landscape.
