New Delhi: A Sikh group backed by the BJP is protesting outside the residence of Sonia Gandhi in the capital city against her son’s remarks in the US presenting religious freedom enjoyed by the community in an unfavourable light.
The protesters demanded apology from Gandhi claiming that the community is more secure under the BJP regime than was during the Congress rule.
Gandhi told a gathering during his three-day visit to the country that the fight in India was not about politics but religion.
Taking the name of a Sikh member of his audience, Rahul Gandhi said the fight in India was about where the man was going to be allowed to wear a turban in India, a kada or allowed to go to Gurudwara, adding that the fight was for all religions.
His remarks quickly drew criticism back home, with the BJP accusing him of making ‘anti-national’ remarks abroad, nevertheless being the Leader of the Opposition.
Union minister Hardeep Singh Puri alleged that Rahul Gandhi was spreading ‘dangerous narratives abroad’ while terming Gandhi's latest remarks ‘sinister’.
Puri said the community if ever felt any insecurity and anxiety it was when Rahul Gandhi’s family was ruling the country, referring to the anti-Sikh riots of 1984 after the assassination of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi by her Sikh body guards.