CHANDIGARH: Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, the President of the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee and the Member of Parliament from Ludhiana, released a statement via his social media platforms, addressing the recent misrepresentation of Rahul Gandhi ji’s remarks made during his visit to the United States of America.
Clarifying the context, Warring explained that Rahul Gandhi ji had engaged in a conversation with a Sikh individual in America, inquiring about his name. During the discussion, Rahul Gandhi ji remarked on the unfortunate reality that, due to the prevailing political climate in India, Sikhs and Sardars might feel the need to seek permission before openly representing their religion by tying a turban or wearing a kada.
"Rahul Gandhi ji was highlighting the underlying fear that has crept into various religions due to the divisive politics perpetuated by the BJP, " stated Warring. "For the past ten years, the nation has been systematically divided along religious lines by the BJP, and this reality was brought to light during Rahul Gandhi ji’s interaction with the Sikh individual in the United States."
The PPCC Chief went on to underscore Rahul Gandhi ji’s deep respect and love for the Sikh religion, pointing out how this was evident during his visit to the Golden Temple, where he performed Sewa and immersed himself in the teachings of the faith. "Rahul Gandhi ji has always stood with Punjab and the Sikh community, as was clearly seen during his Bharat Jodo Yatra, where he walked through Punjab and engaged directly with the people, understanding their concerns and understanding Sikhism deeply during his visit, " Warring emphasized.
Refuting the BJP’s claims, Warring questioned how anyone could accuse Rahul Gandhi ji of being against the Sikh religion when he has quoted the teachings of Guru Nanak in the Parliament. "BJP and its leaders, who once praised Rahul Gandhi ji while a part of Congress, now bow down to PM Modi and shamelessly speak ill of him. Their manipulation of his statement is nothing but a reflection of their fear of Rahul Gandhi ji’s truthfulness, " Warring said.
Addressing the people of Punjab directly, Raja Warring expressed his personal views: "As a Punjabi, I did not find anything wrong in what Rahul Gandhi ji said. The BJP is simply angered because Rahul Gandhi ji exposed their true nature to the world. Whenever Rahul Gandhi ji speaks about any religion, BJP and its leaders deliberately distort his words to create an unnecessary controversy, diverting attention from the real issues."
Warring reaffirmed the Congress Party’s commitment to inclusivity and unity, stating, "Congress and Rahul Gandhi ji have always been inclusive and will never speak against any religion. We are here to open ‘Mohabbat ki Dukaan’ in this sea of hatred created by the BJP. We have never been scared and will never be scared to speak the truth."
Concluding his statement, Warring urged the BJP to cease spreading hatred and stop employing divisive tactics to create discord among the people. "The people of India are now aware of the truth and will not fall for such manipulations anymore. To those leaders who criticize Rahul Gandhi ji, I challenge you to sit down and discuss Sikh history with him; you will find that he knows more than you do. I have full faith in Punjab, and I know our people will not succumb to this divisive politics."
He ended by reiterating his trust in the wisdom of the Punjabi people: "Punjab has always stood tall against divisive forces, and this time will be no different. Our people are wise and will see through the BJP’s attempts to divide us. We will continue to stand united and strong in our resolve for truth and justice."