Senior BJP leader and MP Ravi Shankar Prasad on Saturday criticised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for scheduling an INDIA bloc protest rally in Delhi on November 1, saying the date was sensitive for the Sikh community because of the anti-Sikh riots of 1984.
The INDIA bloc, led by Gandhi, has planned a rally at Ramlila Maidan to protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
Addressing a press conference at the BJP headquarters in New Delhi, Prasad questioned the decision to hold the rally on the anniversary of the violence, which saw members of the Sikh community targeted in Delhi and several other cities.
He accused Gandhi of “trying to rub salt on the wounds of Sikhs” and said the decision to proceed with the protest amounted to “childish stubbornness”.
“Rahul Gandhi has an anarchist and Maoist mindset. Why does he want to create chaos on November 1? This is condemnable,” Prasad said.
The BJP leader also criticised Gandhi over protests earlier this month, alleging that he had encircled the Supreme Court. Prasad described the incident as highly condemnable and said the decision to hold the November 1 rally reflected Gandhi’s “true face”.
“If he wants to disrespect Sikhs, he will do so,” Prasad said.
He also questioned the Ranganath Misra Commission's inquiry into the 1984 riots, claiming that the Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted by the BJP-led government in 2015 had helped secure compensation for victims and punishment for those found guilty.
BJP highlights traders' concerns over protests
Prasad also raised concerns about the impact of demonstrations on businesses during the festive season, which spans Dussehra, Navratri and Chhath.
He said traders in areas including Connaught Place, Kamla Nagar and Khan Market had been affected by the protests. According to Prasad, a traders' body had informed him that customer footfall had fallen by 70% and had requested that the November 1 rally be called off.
“Rahul Gandhi is irresponsible and indifferent to people's plight,” Prasad said. “This kind of chaos and anti-democratic behaviour is a concern for traders.”
His remarks come amid concerns raised by traders' organisations over the potential impact of the planned rally on commercial activity in the Capital during the festive shopping period.
Prasad comments on police action and Jamia protests
Asked about possible police action in connection with the planned demonstration, Prasad said, “Police will do what they have to do.”
He also questioned Congress MP Imran Masood's presence at protests at Jamia Millia Islamia, where slogans including “Free Sharjeel Imam” and “Azaadi” were reportedly raised.
Prasad asked whether Gandhi was “playing a hostile game with foreign countries to defame India” and reiterated the BJP's position on Jammu and Kashmir, saying, “Kashmir is and will remain part of India.”
BJP leader predicts low turnout
Prasad predicted that the November 1 rally would draw a limited crowd, saying, “I don't think many people will come to the protest.”
He also referred to Congress's electoral performance in Assam, Puducherry and West Bengal, claiming that voters were aware of their preferences after the party's defeats in those states.
The INDIA bloc has planned the Ramlila Maidan rally as part of its campaign against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the alleged irregularities in the electoral roll revision exercise.