Rahul Gandhi acknowledges Congress's role in 1984 Sikh riots, accepts responsibility.
New Delhi: Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, made a significant statement regarding the 1984 Sikh riots. During a dialogue at Brown University in the United States, responding to a question from a Sikh student, Rahul stated that while he wasn't present during the riots, he accepts responsibility for the historical mistakes made by the Congress party. He unequivocally stated, “What happened in the 1980s was wrong.”
Rahul Gandhi's response: “I am happy to take responsibility”
During the event, a Sikh student asked Rahul Gandhi how he intends to reconcile with the Sikh community, especially given the Congress party's association with the 1984 riots. Rahul responded:
"Many mistakes were made by the Congress at that time when I wasn't in politics, but I am ready to take responsibility for all of them."
He further added that he has always publicly acknowledged that what transpired in 1984 was not only tragic but completely wrong.
“Sikhs need not fear…-Rahul”
Responding to another question from a student, Rahul Gandhi asserted that he never believed Sikhs in India needed to live in fear. He stated:
“My question is, do we want an India where anyone feels uncomfortable expressing their religion? I don't believe Sikhs need to fear. India should be a country where everyone is proud of their religion, culture, and identity.”
“A loving relationship with the Sikh community”
Rahul Gandhi further explained that he has visited the Golden Temple multiple times and shares a deep and loving relationship with the Sikh community. He stated that the Sikhs' contribution to the building and defense of India is unique, and he feels very close to them.
