New Delhi: Union Minister Hardeep Puri has sharply criticized Congress MP Rahul Gandhi for his recent remarks in the United States, which included criticism of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and framing the BJP-Congress divide as a debate over religious freedoms, such as whether Sikhs are allowed to wear turbans or kadas. In a forceful rebuttal, Puri accused Gandhi of promoting a "dangerous narrative" among the Indian diaspora in the US and of using his position as Leader of the Opposition to criticize the Indian government while abroad.

Puri expressed concern that Gandhi's statements were misleading, particularly to the audience in the US, who may not have a strong connection to India. "The people at the event where Rahul Gandhi spoke were from my community, and they eke out a living in the US without a strong connection to their homeland. Rahulji is spreading this false narrative," Puri said.

He further criticized Gandhi for his comments on China’s economy, the legal system in India, and the outcomes of elections. Puri also took issue with Gandhi's remarks about the RSS and the BJP-Congress ideological divide, asserting that Gandhi's comments on religious freedoms, such as the practice of Sikhism, were misleading.

"I have been wearing a turban and kada for over six decades without any issues," Puri declared. He highlighted that the only time Sikhs faced a significant existential threat was during the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, which occurred under the leadership of Gandhi's family.

Puri recalled the violence of 1984, stating, "Three thousand innocent people were killed... dragged out of their homes, tires were put around them, and they were burned alive." He also referenced Rajiv Gandhi’s controversial comment, "whenever a big tree falls, the earth shakes," as a troubling justification for the violence against Sikhs.

Puri's comments underscore the deepening political rift and the sensitive nature of historical grievances in Indian politics.

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