New Delhi
On Wednesday, Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera defended Rahul Gandhi’s remarks made during his visit to the United States. Khera argued that advocating for equal rights and religious freedom, even on foreign soil, is perfectly legitimate. If Rahul Gandhi is calling for religious freedom for Sikhs, there’s nothing wrong with that, Khera said.
Khera also criticized the BJP, accusing it of fostering hatred against specific communities and pointing out incidents of violence against individuals with beards. He challenged the BJP’s claims against Rahul Gandhi, questioning why it’s considered a crime to speak about China’s actions while PM Modi is accused of overlooking China’s incursions into Indian territory.
The remarks have sparked a political controversy in India, with the BJP and Congress engaged in a heated debate. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has accused Gandhi of siding with anti-India forces, a claim Khera rejected. He urged the government to address these issues openly and suggested that if there are concerns about Rahul Gandhi’s activities in the US, the Centre should summon the US envoy.
Khera also called for transparency about meetings conducted by the Prime Minister and BJP ministers during foreign trips, in response to criticisms of Rahul’s interactions with US lawmakers known for their critical views on India.
Rajnath Singh slams Rahul’s India-China border comments
On Wednesday, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh strongly criticized Rahul Gandhi for his comments on the India-China border dispute, calling them misleading and harmful to India’s reputation. Singh condemned Gandhi’s claims made during his visit to the US, which alleged that Chinese troops had occupied 4,000 square kilometers of land in Ladakh, comparable in size to Delhi. Singh dismissed these statements as false and damaging to India’s dignity.
Gandhi’s remarks also touched on the struggles of Sikhs in India, suggesting they face restrictions on wearing turbans or carrying ‘kadas’ in gurdwaras. Singh refuted these claims, emphasizing that they are entirely unfounded. He highlighted the significant role of the Sikh community in preserving Indian culture and asserted that such statements undermine the respect they deserve.
Additionally, Singh addressed Gandhi’s comments on reservation policies, labeling them as baseless. He affirmed that the NDA government is committed to strengthening reservation systems for the welfare of Dalits, Backward Classes, and Tribals, contrary to Gandhi’s claims that the government seeks to abolish these provisions.
