New Delhi: The BJP on Saturday lashed out at the Congress over INDIA bloc’s upcoming rally in Delhi, alleging that Rahul Gandhi is “adamant” on holding the event on November 1 to rub salt on the wounds of the victims of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.
Addressing a press conference at the party headquarters here, BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad claimed many of the INDIA bloc constituents are not convinced with the Congress’ plan to hold the rally on November 1 and wants the programme to be rescheduled.
“But Rahul Gandhi is adamant and not ready to listen to anybody.
“In a very calculated manner, Rahul Gandhi is trying to rub salt into the wounded sentiments of the Sikhs by insisting he will hold the rally on November 1. He is bent on playing a cruel joke on Sikhs,” he charged.
“We vehemently condemn it,” the senior BJP leader said.
Anti-Sikh riots had erupted across Delhi and other parts of the country following the assassination of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on October 31, 1984.
The INDIA bloc’s November 1 rally at the Ramlila Maidan has been described as the culmination of the ‘Delhi Chalo’ march against alleged irregularities in the functioning of the Election Commission and the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.
The Congress has asserted that at least 10 lakh people are expected to march against “vote chori”, saying this will send a strong message of “unity” over protecting democracy and the Constitution.
Prasad alleged Gandhi is “hell bent” on holding the rally on November 1 because of his “anarchist mindset” and his ‘baalhath’ (childish obstinacy). He termed the rally “a game”, and accused the Congress leader of colluding with “hostile forces” to create anarchy in the country, and defame Indian democracy.
“We have received information that a virtual meeting was convened on October 22 to discuss this matter. As many allies did not attend, the meeting was postponed. It is also reported that several allies are not satisfied with the proposed date (of the rally) and have requested that it be rescheduled.
“Rahul Gandhi, why are you so insistent on holding your rally on November 1? What are you trying to convey? Their message is very simple: ‘We (Congress) don’t care about it’,” Prasad said.
“This is the real face of Rahul Gandhi. Recall the statement that his father (Rajiv Gandhi) had made following the assassination of Indira Gandhi and the riots that ensued. He had remarked: ‘When a big tree falls, the earth shakes’.”
The BJP leader also cited Sam Pitroda’s “hua so hua (what has happened, has happened)” remark to allege that the Congress does not care for what transpired during the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.
