Recently, at Brown University in USA, Rahul Gandhi faced pointed questions about the Congress party’s history, including the 1984 riots. He responded by accepting responsibility for the party’s mistakes, a rare admission that has sparked political debate and BJP backlash.”
BY PC Bureau
May 4, 2025: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has acknowledged of his party’s role in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, stating his willingness to “take responsibility for everything the Congress party has ever done wrong in its history.”
His comments came during a recent Q&A session at the Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs at Brown University, where he faced pointed questions from a Sikh attendee.
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The attendee challenged Gandhi on the Congress party’s historical actions, including the 1984 riots and the labeling of the Anandpur Sahib Resolution as separatist. He specifically referenced figures like Sajjan Kumar, who has been implicated in the riots, and KPS Gill. “You haven’t tried to reconcile with the Sikhs,” the attendee stated, questioning Gandhi’s criticism of the BJP.
In response, Gandhi said, “A lot of those mistakes happened when I was not there, but I’m more than happy to take responsibility for everything the Congress party has ever done wrong in its history.” He also stated, “I have publicly stated that what happened in the 80s was wrong. I’ve been to the Golden Temple multiple times. I have an extremely good and loving relationship with the Sikh community.”
Question : What about 1984 riots against the Sikhs?
Rahul Gandhi : I was not there in politics that time, but i take responsibility. It was unfortunate.
Modi is not taking responsibility as PM but RaGa apologizing for 1984. 🫡
We need him as Prime Minister 🔥 pic.twitter.com/WnqheqIg5b
— Amock_ (@Amockx2022) May 4, 2025
The BJP has reacted strongly to Gandhi’s remarks. Amit Malviya, a BJP spokesperson, posted on X (formerly Twitter), criticizing Gandhi’s comments and suggesting he was being “ridiculed not just in India, but around the world.” The BJP has consistently used the 1984 riots to attack the Congress party.
This acknowledgment by Gandhi marks a notable moment, as it is one of the clearest admissions of the Congress party’s past wrongdoings. The 1984 anti-Sikh riots remain a sensitive and contentious issue in Indian politics, with ongoing calls for justice and accountability from the Sikh community.
The event has reignited discussions about the Congress party’s historical record and its relationship with the Sikh community. The political ramifications of Gandhi’s comments are likely to continue to unfold in the coming days.
