The ongoing political slugfest in India has taken a sharp turn with the endorsement of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s remarks on the Sikh community by Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a co-founder of the banned organization Sikhs for Justice (SFJ). Pannun, known for his advocacy for a separate Sikh homeland, Khalistan, has lauded Gandhi’s comments as ‘bold and pioneering,’ claiming they are rooted in the historical struggles faced by Sikhs in India.
During a recent visit to the United States, Gandhi addressed a gathering of Indian Americans, highlighting the anxieties faced by Sikhs in India, specifically mentioning their right to wear turbans and kada (bracelet) and access gurdwaras (Sikh places of worship). Pannun has seized upon these remarks, stating that Gandhi’s statement on the ‘existential threat to Sikhs in India’ is not only bold but also historically accurate, echoing SFJ’s stance on the need for a Punjab Independence Referendum to establish Khalistan.
This endorsement has triggered a strong backlash from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). BJP National Spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi has accused Gandhi of seeking support from Khalistani separatists, further alleging that Gandhi is increasingly aligning himself with anti-India forces. Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, referencing the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, criticized Gandhi’s family’s political legacy, stating that Sikhs have experienced anxiety and insecurity under their rule. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh further condemned Gandhi’s remarks, labeling them misleading, baseless, and shameful, claiming they hurt India’s dignity.
This incident has once again highlighted the sensitive issue of Sikh identity and autonomy in India, with the ongoing debate on the role of Khalistani separatists and their influence on Indian politics taking center stage. The endorsement of Gandhi’s remarks by a known Khalistani activist has further intensified the political climate in India, raising concerns about the potential for increased polarization and instability.
