Rahul Gandhi, Congress MP and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, has come under fire during his recent visit to the United States. His comments about the treatment of Sikhs in India and his meeting with American MP Ilhan Omar have ignited widespread criticism both at home and abroad.

During a Sikh community event in Virginia, USA, Gandhi questioned a Sikh journalist, Bhalinder Virmani, asking whether Sikhs could freely wear turbans and Karas in India, and if they could visit Gurudwaras without restriction. This statement was soon amplified by the Khalistani group Sikhs for Justice, adding to their anti-India narrative.

Rahul Gandhi's meeting with American MP Ilhan Omar, known for her critical stance on India, has added further controversy. Omar has previously visited Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and made comments sympathetic to Pakistan's intelligence agency ISI, which has raised concerns about the alignment of Gandhi’s actions with anti-India sentiments.

Bhalinder Virmani, the Sikh journalist mentioned by Gandhi, expressed his disappointment. He said that he has never faced any issues wearing religious symbols in India and regularly visits Gurudwaras without any problems. "I wanted to ask him why he is saying this," Virmani said, rejecting Gandhi's claims as baseless.

Within the Congress party, there has been noticeable discontent. Laxman Singh, a senior Congress leader from Madhya Pradesh and brother of former MP Chief Minister Digvijaya Singh, voiced his concerns on social media, stating that Rahul Gandhi’s US tour has become highly controversial due to his actions, including his meeting with Ilhan Omar. Singh's message on X (formerly Twitter) read: "Enough, Leaderji!"

Gandhi’s actions have also puzzled the global Indian diaspora, with many questioning his ability to hold a significant constitutional position given his recent statements. Critics argue that his meeting with Omar, a vocal critic of India, damages the country’s global image.

The controversy surrounding Rahul Gandhi’s remarks about the Sikh community and his meeting with Ilhan Omar continues to unfold. As public and political scrutiny grows, the long-term impact of his US visit on his political career and India's international relations remains uncertain.

What's Rahul Gandhi’s remarks on Sikhs in India

During an event in Washington DC, Rahul Gandhi made remarks about the situation of Sikhs in India, which reportedly aligned with the Khalistan Referendum campaign promoted by Sikhs for Justice (SFJ). He raised concerns about whether Sikhs in India can freely wear turbans and kadas, and whether they have unrestricted access to gurdwaras. Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, co-founder of SFJ, praised Gandhi’s comments, calling them bold and linked to the historical challenges faced by Sikhs since 1947. Pannun further stated that Gandhi’s remarks supported SFJ’s call for a Punjab Independence Referendum to establish Khalistan, a Sikh homeland.

Government officials quickly responded, criticizing Gandhi’s comments for promoting an unwanted international narrative. Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri condemned his statements, pointing out that they echoed the views of Pannun, who faces terror charges in India for his role in the Khalistani separatist movement.

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