BJP Slams Rahul Gandhi Over INDIA Bloc Rally on 1984 Anti-Sikh Riots Anniversary

The BJP on Sunday launched a sharp attack on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over the INDIA bloc's 'Chalo Dilli' rally in Delhi, held on the anniversary of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, accusing the opposition of hurting the sentiments of victims by organising a political protest on a sensitive day.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, speaking at an event in Chandigarh, said the country would never forget that the Congress organised a rally on the anniversary of the 1984 Sikh genocide. He described the event as a 'jalsa' and said Rahul Gandhi's ambition of becoming prime minister would never be fulfilled. Shah also criticised the opposition's mock Parliament proceedings, suggesting that Gandhi could remain in such a forum throughout his political life.

The INDIA bloc organised the protest at Ramlila Maidan in New Delhi as part of its campaign against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, alleging electoral irregularities and wrongful deletion of voters' names. On Saturday, opposition leaders had conducted a symbolic 'public impeachment' of the CEC, demanding that he face trial for treason.

BJP national president Nitin Nabin led a 'Loktantra Bachao, Arajakta Hatao' march in Rohtak, while former Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan participated in a similar march in Faridabad. Nabin accused the Congress of organising protests instead of seeking atonement for the anti-Sikh riots. He also alleged that Rahul Gandhi was acting at the behest of foreign powers and questioned the party's approach towards democratic mandates.

Union Minister J P Nadda described the INDIA bloc rally as a 'foolish drama', claiming it was part of a conspiracy to promote anarchy and disorder. He said the protest would become the final 'nail in the coffin' of the Congress' political downfall. Nadda also accused the opposition of affecting traders' earnings during the festive season by ignoring requests to postpone the rally.

BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra called the gathering a chaotic spectacle and criticised Rahul Gandhi's remarks questioning the legitimacy of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 2024 Lok Sabha election victory.

Separately, the BJP organised a protest march in Delhi demanding an apology from the Congress over the 1984 riots. Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa, senior advocate H S Phoolka and several Sikh leaders participated in the march.