Rahul Gandhi Says ‘Ready to Take Responsibility’ Over 1984 Riots, Faces Sikh Man’s Question in US
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has said he is willing to take responsibility for all past wrongs committed by the party, including the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, during a public interaction at Brown University in the United States.
During a Q&A session at the Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs, a Sikh attendee confronted Rahul Gandhi about his remarks on religious freedom and the Congress party’s historical actions against Sikhs. Referring to the 1984 riots and leaders like Sajjan Kumar, the man challenged Gandhi’s credibility on issues of Sikh rights.
“We want freedom of expression, which has not been allowed under the Congress party in the past,” the man said, questioning Gandhi’s earlier statements that hinted at restrictions on Sikh identity under the BJP rule.
In response, Gandhi acknowledged the past mistakes and said, “A lot of those happened when I was not there, but I am more than happy to take responsibility for everything the Congress party has ever done wrong in its history.”
Gandhi reiterated that he had earlier spoken out about the wrongs of the 1980s, stating, “I have been to the Golden Temple multiple times. I have extremely good relationships with the Sikh community in India.”
He added that his original statement was to question whether India under the current regime would allow people to express their religious identity freely.
The video of the exchange quickly went viral, prompting sharp reactions from BJP leaders. Amit Malviya, head of BJP’s IT cell, said the Sikh man exposed Gandhi’s “unfounded fear-mongering.”
Delhi Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa accused Gandhi of evading responsibility and offering political platitudes. “What Rahul Gandhi said was not an apology but a political pretense,” Sirsa posted on X, formerly Twitter.
BJP national spokesperson RP Singh demanded the immediate expulsion of Congress leaders Jagdish Tytler and Kamal Nath if Gandhi is genuinely ready to accept accountability.
The 1984 anti-Sikh riots followed the assassination of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi by her Sikh bodyguards. The Congress government was accused of failing to control the violence, which claimed over 4,000 lives, mostly in Delhi.
In 2013, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh apologized in Parliament, followed by public regrets from Sonia and Rahul Gandhi. Despite these, the Congress continues to face criticism over the presence of accused leaders within the party.
The confrontation adds another headline to Rahul Gandhi’s US tour, where his comments on religious freedom and political accountability continue to stir debate back home. Whether his words will resonate as genuine or political theatre remains a point of contention.
