Amit Shah accuses Rahul Gandhi of opening old wounds with Delhi rally

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday asserted that the opposition INDIA bloc's rally at New Delhi's Ramlila Maidan on the anniversary of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots would reopen deep emotional scars for families affected by the tragedy.

Speaking in Chandigarh during an event to launch development projects worth ₹258 crore, Mr. Shah argued that selecting November 1 for a high-profile political gathering displayed profound insensitivity towards victims. He noted that thousands of members of the Sikh community were killed, properties destroyed, and families uprooted during the violence that erupted following the assassination of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

Directing his criticism at Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, the Home Minister referenced past statements made by former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi concerning the aftermath of the violence, stating that those remarks remained etched in public memory. He contended that organizing a political protest on such a solemn date failed to respect the sentiments of the bereaved.

The opposition alliance gathered at the national capital venue to protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged electoral irregularities and modifications to voter rolls. In addition to his remarks on the rally, Mr. Shah lambasted opposition leaders for parliamentary disruptions and continuing political strategies that he claimed lacked constructive engagement.

Highlighting the actions taken by the central administration over past years, Mr. Shah stated that legal mechanisms were re-established to pursue justice for victims of the 1984 violence, alongside financial relief measures implemented by the government.

The Chandigarh event involved the inauguration of completed public works and the laying of foundation stones for fresh infrastructure initiatives spanning housing, education, and transport sectors within the Union Territory. Local dignitaries, including Punjab Governor and Chandigarh Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria, attended the ceremony alongside senior administration officials.