Union Home Minister Amit Shah criticised the Congress and Rahul Gandhi over the INDIA Bloc’s decision to organise its November 1 demonstration in Delhi, linking the rally’s timing to the anniversary of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. Speaking at an event in Chandigarh, Shah accused the Congress leadership of overlooking the suffering of families affected by the violence.
The Congress-led INDIA Bloc had organised its demonstration at Ramlila Maidan as part of its campaign against alleged electoral irregularities and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists. The opposition also demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Amit Shah Recalls the 1984 Violence
During his address, Shah recalled the violence that followed the assassination of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in October 1984. He referred to the deaths, displacement and suffering experienced by thousands of Sikh families during the riots.
Shah also brought up a controversial statement made by former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi after the violence, using it to question the Congress leadership’s historical record.
He alleged that organising a major political gathering on November 1 was insensitive towards survivors and families who continue to remember the tragedy.
Rahul Gandhi Comes Under Fresh BJP Criticism
Shah directly targeted Rahul Gandhi, questioning the Congress leader’s decision to proceed with the rally despite objections raised by the BJP.
He claimed that his party had previously appealed to Congress to avoid November 1, 2 and 3 because of their association with the anti-Sikh violence.
The Home Minister also criticised Gandhi’s ‘Mohabbat Ki Dukaan’ slogan, arguing that the opposition’s decision to hold the demonstration on the anniversary contradicted its message of promoting unity and affection.
Delhi Traders’ Concerns Become Part of Political Debate
Apart from the historical controversy, Shah raised concerns about the rally’s timing during the important Diwali shopping period.
He claimed that traders in Delhi had requested the opposition to postpone the demonstration, arguing that restrictions and traffic disruptions could affect commercial activity.
According to Shah, business organisations had made repeated appeals through letters and press conferences. He also cited an estimated Rs 25,000 crore in trading activity during the festive period to highlight the potential economic impact.
These figures and allegations were presented by Shah during his address.
BJP Questions Congress’s Political Strategy
The Home Minister also criticised the opposition’s symbolic public impeachment proceedings against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, describing the exercise as a mock Parliament.
He questioned Rahul Gandhi’s political strategy and referred to Congress’s electoral performance in Delhi. Shah also accused the opposition of spreading misinformation and disrupting parliamentary proceedings.
BJP Government’s Claims on Justice for Riot Victims
Shah defended the Narendra Modi government’s record on the 1984 riots, claiming that investigations into the cases had been reopened and financial assistance had been provided to affected families.
He referred to compensation measures and action against individuals accused in connection with the violence, presenting them as steps towards addressing long-standing demands for justice.
Political Disagreement Continues After Delhi Rally
The controversy over the November 1 rally added another dimension to the political confrontation between the BJP and Congress. While the INDIA Bloc focused its demonstration on electoral transparency and the functioning of the Election Commission, BJP leaders shifted attention towards the historical significance of the rally date.
The exchange has brought the 1984 anti-Sikh riots back into the centre of political discussion, alongside the continuing disagreement over voter-list revision and the Election Commission’s role.
