Rahul Gandhi Acknowledges Congress’s Role in 1984 Riots, Says Willing to Take Responsibility for Party’s Past Mistakes

Providence, Rhode Island, May 4 — Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has publicly acknowledged the Indian National Congress’s historical missteps, including its role in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, stating he is willing to take responsibility for “everything the Congress party has ever done wrong in its history.”

Speaking during an interactive session at the Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs at Brown University in the United States, Gandhi responded to a pointed question from a Sikh student who confronted him over the party’s alleged complicity in the 1984 violence following Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s assassination.

“A lot of these mistakes happened when I was not there,” Gandhi said, “but I’m happy to take responsibility for everything the Congress party has ever done wrong.”

The student questioned the Congress party’s failure to reconcile with the Sikh community, citing the mischaracterization of the Anandpur Sahib Resolution and the impunity enjoyed by leaders like Sajjan Kumar, who was convicted for his role in the riots. “Many more Sajjan Kumars are sitting in the Congress Party,” the student claimed.

In response, Gandhi reiterated his condemnation of the 1984 riots and emphasized his ongoing outreach to the Sikh community. “I have publicly stated that what happened in the 80s was wrong. I have been to the Golden Temple multiple times. I have extremely good relationships with the Sikh community in India,” he said.

The 1984 riots erupted after the assassination of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi by her Sikh bodyguards. Her killing followed Operation Blue Star — a controversial military action to flush out separatist leader Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale from the Golden Temple. The operation deeply wounded Sikh sentiments, particularly as the Akal Takht was severely damaged in the crossfire.

In the aftermath, mobs reportedly led by Congress leaders targeted Sikhs across Delhi and other parts of India, leading to the deaths of over 3,000 people. While some political figures have been held accountable, the community continues to demand full justice and closure.

Gandhi’s remarks mark a rare moment of personal accountability from a top Congress leader on one of the most painful chapters in modern Indian history.