In a provocative statement during his interaction with the Indian diaspora in Virginia, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi asserted that India’s current struggles extend beyond mere politics, focusing instead on religious freedom and regional identities.
Addressing the audience, Gandhi emphasized that the crux of the issue centers on whether individuals can practice their faith and preserve their cultural heritage.
He illustrated this by questioning whether a Sikh could wear a turban and visit a Gurdwara or whether a Tamilian could speak their native language without restriction.
“The core of the struggle is not about politics. It’s about fundamental rights and identities,” Gandhi stated. “For instance, whether a Sikh can wear his turban, his kada, or visit a Gurdwara freely. And this applies to all religions.”
He further highlighted the importance of regional identities, explaining that terms like Kerala and Punjab represent more than geographical locations; they embody the rich history, language, and traditions of their people.
“These names carry your entire imagination and heritage,” Rahul asserted.
Gandhi directed a sharp critique at the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), accusing the organization of undermining India’s diversity.
He claimed that the RSS’s ideology suggests that certain states, languages, and religions are superior to others.
“The RSS propagates that some communities and languages are inferior. This is contrary to our belief that every region and its traditions are valuable,” he argued.
The Congress leader’s remarks also touched on the broader issue of freedom and inclusion in India.
“Are we going to build a nation where everyone is free to express their beliefs and respect their traditions, or will we have a society where only a few decide what is acceptable?” Gandhi questioned.
He criticized what he described as a lack of understanding of India’s diverse history and cultural fabric.
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