‘Congress Wants to Remind Delhi of 1984 Anarchy’: Sudhanshu Trivedi on Opposition’s November 1 Protest

Addressing a press conference, Trivedi linked the proposed protest date to the anti-Sikh violence that followed the assassination of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1984. He alleged that the Congress had chosen the date to remind Delhi of the turmoil witnessed during that period.

“The anti-Sikh violence began on November 1, 1984. The Congress is now planning a protest in Delhi on the same date, and I believe it wants to remind the city of the anarchy it witnessed in 1984,” Trivedi said.

The BJP leader also criticised former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, alleging that Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel had not received due recognition for his contribution to India's freedom struggle and national integration.

Trivedi referred to the formation of the Interim Government in September 1946 and argued that the Partition of India took place while Nehru was heading the government. He described Partition as one of the bloodiest episodes in history.

Targeting former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, Trivedi alleged that the split in the Congress and the presidential election involving Neelam Sanjiva Reddy had contributed to a consolidation of her political authority. He also referred to the 1984 anti-Sikh violence that followed her assassination and Rajiv Gandhi's subsequent elevation as Prime Minister.

Trivedi then turned his criticism towards Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, alleging that repeated attempts to establish him as the party's principal political face had failed to deliver the desired results.

He claimed that the Congress, despite its long political history, had experienced electoral and organisational setbacks under Rahul Gandhi's leadership.

The BJP MP further alleged that the Congress was seeking to strengthen Rahul Gandhi's political position by undermining the country's institutions and established systems.

The Congress's planned November 1 protest comes amid continuing political tensions between the ruling BJP and the Opposition. Trivedi's remarks represent the BJP's criticism of the proposed demonstration and its interpretation of the date's historical significance.