Rahul Gandhi Addresses 1984 Riots and Congress Mistakes

Rahul Gandhi addressed the 1984 Sikh riots during an interactive session at Brown University, acknowledging the Congress party's historical mistakes. He emphasized reconciliation with the Sikh community and critiqued the BJP's interpretation of Hinduism. Gandhi's remarks sparked backlash from BJP leaders, who defended Hindu cultural symbols.

In a candid address at Brown University, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi reflected on the 1984 riots, admitting past mistakes of his party while stressing his commitment to take responsibility for them. He acknowledged historical wrongdoings by the Congress and reiterated his dedication to mending ties with the Sikh community.

During the session, a Sikh student questioned Gandhi's efforts to reconcile with Sikhs. Gandhi, in response, highlighted his strong relationship with the Sikh community and expressed his stance on India's pluralistic tradition, critiquing the BJP for what he described as unfounded fear-mongering.

His remarks have drawn criticism from the BJP, notably Amit Malviya, who accused Gandhi of disrespecting Hindu beliefs by calling Lord Ram a mythological figure. Malviya defended the spiritual significance of Ram in Hindu culture, sparking a broader debate on religious and historical interpretations in political discourse.

(With inputs from agencies.)