The remarks, intended to underscore the Congress party’s commitment to secularism and religious freedom, have sparked controversy back home. The BJP, the ruling party in India, has accused Gandhi of making anti-national comments on foreign soil, especially in light of his current role as the Leader of the Opposition. The party has expressed concern that such statements harm India’s image globally, and could be seen as playing into the narrative of certain expat Sikh groups that have been critical of India, especially in regard to past grievances.

Among the leading voices criticizing Gandhi’s comments is Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri. Calling the remarks “sinister,” Puri accused the Congress leader of attempting to spread a “dangerous narrative” abroad. The minister took particular offense at the implications that Sikhs are currently under threat in India, arguing that these statements were far from reality. Referring to the anti-Sikh riots of 1984, which erupted after the assassination of then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi by her Sikh bodyguards, Puri reminded the public that it was under Congress’s rule when Sikhs faced one of the darkest periods in their history. “If there has been one time in our history when as a community, we have felt anxiety, a sense of insecurity, and existential threat, it has been the times when Rahul Gandhi’s family has been in the seats of power,” he said.

The 1984 anti-Sikh riots remain a painful chapter in India’s history, with thousands of Sikhs killed in violence that erupted in Delhi and other parts of the country following the assassination. Congress has long been criticized for its alleged failure to control the violence, and some of its leaders were accused of inciting mobs during the riots. In contrast, BJP supporters argue that the current government has fostered a more secure environment for religious minorities, including Sikhs. Protestors at Sonia Gandhi’s residence emphasized that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, Sikhs have been able to freely practice their faith and enjoy greater safety and stability than under previous Congress governments.

The controversy surrounding Rahul Gandhi’s remarks comes at a politically sensitive time for Congress. While his comments align with the party’s secular stance, the timing has been problematic, especially given the growing international scrutiny over India’s human rights record. Expats, particularly in countries with large Sikh populations like Canada and the UK, have been vocal critics of the Indian government’s treatment of minorities, and some of these concerns have occasionally fed into separatist movements. The BJP has been quick to capitalize on Gandhi’s comments, portraying him as out of touch with India’s reality and dismissive of the progress made under Modi’s rule. For the BJP, the issue is not just about religion, but also national security, with the party frequently linking such criticisms to broader concerns about India’s sovereignty and unity.