New Delhi [India], May 5 : AAP leader Priyanka Kakar on Monday condemned the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, calling it a "planned genocide" and demanding accountability for those responsible. She criticised Rahul Gandhi's recent statements on the issue, saying that an apology is not enough and that those involved should be punished.
Kakkar strongly condemned the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, describing the atrocities committed against Sikhs.
Speaking to ANI, Kakkar said, "At that time, the houses of Sikhs were marked, children were killed, men were burnt alive and women were raped. What will admitting mistake achieve? It was a planned genocide, and those who were responsible for this, state machinery and top leaders of Congress, what action has been taken against them till date? They should be punished for this."
Kakkar's remarks followed a resurfaced video in which a Sikh youth in the US questioned the Congress over its association with leaders accused in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.
Reportedly, during an interactive session at the Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs with Professor Ashutosh Varshney on April 21, Rahul Gandhi addressed a question about the riots and Congress' relationship with the Sikh community, acknowledging that the party had made numerous mistakes before his involvement in politics. He added that he was more than happy to take responsibility for everything the party had done wrong.
On May 3, BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya shared a clip of an alleged video of Gandhi's recent US visit, saying that Rahul Gandhi was now being ridiculed not only in India but across the world because a Sikh youth had questioned him over his stand on the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.
https://x.com/amitmalviya/status/1918613451355935183
"You haven't reconciled with the Sikhs," a young man tells Rahul Gandhi to his face, reminding him of the unfounded fear-mongering he engaged in during his last visit to the US. It is quite unprecedented that Rahul Gandhi is now being ridiculed not just in India, but around the world," Malviya posted on X.
Earlier today, BJP leader RP Singh criticised Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of spreading enmity in society during his visits abroad.
He further challenged Gandhi, stating that if he dared to make the same remarks in India, he would face legal action.
"Rahul Gandhi goes outside and spreads enmity in society. The last time he went out, he pointed at a Sikh youth and said that he is treated as a second-class citizens. But it is nothing like that. Rahul Gandhi, if you have guts, make that statement in India - I will file a case against you", he said.