*PM Modi criticises over Rahul Gandhi’s Sikh remark in US
by Ashis Sinha
Ahmedabad: Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a pointed critique against Rahul Gandhi on Monday, indirectly responding to Gandhi’s recent remarks in the United States concerning the freedom of religious minorities, including the Sikh community. Modi’s comments came during his visit to Ahmedabad, Gujarat, where he inaugurated infrastructure projects worth ₹8,000 crore.
Modi, speaking without directly naming Gandhi, accused “some people” of undermining national unity. “Individuals consumed by negativity are working to tarnish India’s image,” Modi said. “These people, driven by hatred, are trying to defame India and Gujarat, aiming to break up the country.”
Modi’s remarks also touched on the ongoing election campaign in Jammu and Kashmir. He criticized the Congress and its ally, the National Conference, for their promise to restore the region’s special status under Article 370, which was revoked by the BJP in August 2019. Modi characterized these promises as attempts to exploit emotional sentiments for electoral gain.
The Prime Minister also addressed the criticism he faced during the initial days of his third term, expressing his dedication to serving the people and emphasizing his willingness to make personal sacrifices for their welfare.
Gandhi’s comments, made at various events in the U.S., have sparked backlash from several Indian ministers, including Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar. This is the first time Modi has publicly responded to Gandhi’s criticisms.
During his U.S. visit, Gandhi had discussed ideological divides with the BJP, mentioning issues such as religious freedoms and Sikh practices, which prompted strong reactions from government officials. Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri notably criticized Gandhi’s remarks in light of the anti-Sikh riots of 1984 following the assassination of Gandhi’s grandmother, Indira Gandhi.
