Rahul Gandhi remarks hurt dignity of Sikh community, says BJP’s Tarun Chugh

Chandigarh: Condemning Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for calling minister of state for railways Sardar Ravneet Singh Bittu a "traitor" outside the Parliament premises, BJP national general secretary Tarun Chugh said the statement was "extremely unfortunate, condemnable, and an insult to democratic decorum."Chugh stated, "Using such language against an elected representative is not only personally insulting, but also hurts the dignity of the Sikh community and the nation as a whole." The BJP leader, in a written statement, added, "The dark chapter of 1984 continues to remain a deep wound in the hearts of the nation, particularly the Sikh community. The country cannot forget the role of the Congress party and the Nehru-Gandhi family during that period. The brutal killing of thousands of innocent Sikhs, organised violence across multiple cities, and the failure of the justice system remain a permanent blot on India's democratic history."He further stated, "While the country was burning, the Congress govt remained silent. The individuals accused of instigating violence continued to roam freely for years, and allegedly received political protection. The incidents where Sikhs were identified through voter lists and targeted continue to shake the conscience of the nation."Chugh added, "Rahul Gandhi's conduct reflects the same divisive mindset that shaped Congress politics for decades." He demanded that Rahul Gandhi apologise to the people of the country, particularly the Sikh community, for "hurting their sentiments."BJP workers stage stir in AmritsarExpressing anger over Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi referring to MoS Ravneet Singh Bittu as a "traitor," BJP workers on Wednesday staged a protest at Hathi Gate Chowk. They raised slogans against Rahul Gandhi and burnt his effigy here on Wednesday. The protest was held under the leadership of BJP district president Harvinder Singh Sandhu.While talking to the media after the protest, Sandhu alleged that the Congress party was responsible for hurting the religious sentiments of the Hindu and Sikh communities in 1984 by attacking the world-renowned and universally revered Golden Temple. He alleged that during the Sikh massacre in Delhi and other states in 1984, hundreds of innocents were killed, yet the party never showed remorse. He added that this was not the first instance of Rahul Gandhi or senior Congress leaders allegedly using derogatory language against BJP leaders, and that Rahul earlier also made objectionable remarks against the Prime Minister and several BJP leaders. He asserted that the BJP would not tolerate such language against its senior leaders. MSID: 127910576 413 |Ends MSID:: 127910942 413 |