New Delhi: Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has sharply criticized Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, for his recent remarks about the Sikh community and reservations, calling them "misleading, baseless," and "extremely shameful."

Singh, addressing Gandhi’s comments made during his foreign tour, said, “It appears that while managing his 'Mohabbat Ki Dukaan' (shop of love), Rahul Gandhi has opened a 'Jhooth Ki Dukaan' (shop of lies). His claims, including that Sikhs in India are not allowed to wear turbans in Gurdwaras and are being prevented from following their religion, are completely false.”

Singh emphasized that the entire nation respects the significant role of the Sikh community in preserving India's culture. He added, "It is not appropriate for an opposition leader to make such false statements about them."

The Defence Minister also rejected Gandhi’s assertion that the NDA government aims to abolish reservation policies. "Rahulji’s claim that the NDA government wants to eliminate reservations is entirely baseless. Our Prime Minister has strengthened the reservation system for the welfare and development of Dalits, backward classes, and tribals," Singh said. He also criticized Gandhi’s comments on the India-China border dispute, describing them as misleading.

Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju joined in the criticism, asserting that defaming India abroad is unacceptable. Rijiju highlighted that India remains a safe haven for minorities from neighboring countries. "India has always been a place of refuge for minorities, and despite attempts to tarnish its image abroad, India remains a safe country for all," Rijiju said.

Earlier, Union Home Minister Amit Shah also condemned Gandhi’s remarks on reservations during an event in the United States. Shah accused Gandhi and the Congress party of supporting anti-national agendas and making statements that threaten national security.

In his comments in the U.S., Gandhi had questioned the fairness of the Indian system and suggested that the Congress party might consider scrapping reservations when India becomes a "fair place." He also addressed issues regarding the participation of marginalized groups in India’s socio-economic sphere.

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