Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday launched a sharp attack on the Congress over the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, accusing the party of insensitivity toward victims by holding a rally in Delhi during the anniversary period.
Speaking in Chandigarh, Shah recalled the violence that followed the assassination of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, stating thousands of Sikhs were killed, many burnt alive, and numerous families were displaced. Children were orphaned, women widowed and homes destroyed, he said.
Shah also invoked a controversial remark attributed to then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, who had said, "When a big tree falls, the earth shakes." Shah argued the statement reflected the Congress leadership's attitude toward the killings.
Shah targeted Rahul Gandhi over the INDIA bloc rally and mock Parliament session held at Ramlila Maidan. "I want to tell Rahul Gandhi ji that if you want to become Prime Minister, keep holding such mock Parliament sessions. Your turn is never going to come," Shah said.
The Home Minister alleged the Congress had reopened painful memories for survivors and their families by organising the event during the period associated with the 1984 violence. He claimed the BJP had urged the Congress not to hold the rally on November 1, or 2, or 3, citing the potential impact on the Sikh community. According to Shah, the party ignored these objections and proceeded with the event, which he said had been directed by Congress leaders based outside India.
Shah also defended the Modi government's record on the riots, claiming that cases against those accused of involvement in the violence were reopened after Narendra Modi became Prime Minister. He said financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh was provided to each victim and claimed that senior Congress leaders were jailed in connection with the cases.
The 1984 violence remained a dark chapter in the country's history, Shah asserted, accusing the Congress of political responsibility for the events and asserting that such a tragedy should never be forgotten.
BJP leaders and members of the Sikh community held a protest march in New Delhi on Monday from Gurdwara Bangla Sahib to Gurdwara Rakab Ganj Sahib, accusing the Congress of reopening old wounds by holding the rally on November 1.
