Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, on Saturday accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of spreading lies about his recent remarks in the United States.
Addressing Sikhs in India and abroad, Gandhi questioned if there was anything wrong in what he said, emphasising that India should be a country where everyone can practice their religion without fear.
“The BJP has been spreading lies about my remarks in America. I want to ask every Sikh brother and sister in India and abroad — is there anything wrong in what I have said? Shouldn’t India be a country where every Sikh — and every Indian — can freely practise their religion without fear?” Gandhi said in a post on X.
“As usual, the BJP is resorting to lies. They are desperate to silence me because they cannot stand the truth. But I will always speak up for the values that define India: our unity in diversity, equality, and love,” he added.
Gandhi’s comments came after BJP leader Manjinder Singh Sirsa cited a joint statement by several Sikh groups, urging him to withdraw his remarks. Sirsa claimed Gandhi’s statements created an atmosphere of fear and insecurity in the country. Several Sikh and gurdwara management bodies reportedly met Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai to discuss the matter.
During an event in Herndon, Virginia, Gandhi had asked a Sikh attendee whether he would be allowed to wear his turban or kada in India. He argued that the fight in India is not just about politics but about the right to freely practice one’s religion.
The BJP has yet to issue an official response to Gandhi’s latest accusations.