Protest outside Rahul Gandhi's residence over his 'turban, Kada' remarks
What's the story
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader RP Singh and other Sikh leaders were detained by the Delhi Police on Wednesday after they held protests outside the residence of Congress MP Rahul Gandhi. The protesters were demanding an apology from Gandhi over his remarks on the state of religious freedom in India, citing the Sikhs as an example.
Remarks backlash
Gandhi's comments on religious freedom spark controversy
During an event in Herndon, Virginia, on Monday, Gandhi said the fight in India is not about politics but about whether a Sikh can wear a turban or kada in India or go to a Gurdwara. "Rahul Gandhi should apologise. He used the foreign land to defame India and gave a statement about Sikhs that Sikhs are not allowed to wear turban and go to Gurudwara," Singh said as he was escorted away in a police bus.
Twitter Post
Protests outside Gandhi's house
#WATCH | BJP leader RP Singh and other Sikh leaders detained by Delhi Police.
— ANI (@ANI) September 11, 2024
BJP leader RP Singh says "Rahul Gandhi should apologise. He used the foreign land to defame India and gave a statement about Sikhs that Sikhs are not allowed to wear turban and go to Gurudwara..." pic.twitter.com/jyegjjr8zT
Political backlash
BJP leaders condemn Rahul's remarks on religious freedom
Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan had also criticized the Congress leader for the comments, stating that "Rahul Gandhi is the LoP and the position of LoP is a responsible position." He accused him of trying to malign India's image due to anti-BJP, anti-RSS and anti-Modi sentiments. Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri condemned his remarks as well, accusing him of spreading falsehood. "I have worn...turban for over 60 years...and never come across anyone who expressed any sense of anxiety," Puri said.