Chandigarh, November 1, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday accused the Congress of being responsible for the 1984 anti-Sikh violence and criticised Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi for holding the INDIA bloc’s ‘Dilli Chalo’ rally in Delhi on November 1, alleging that the timing had hurt the sentiments of the Sikh community.
Addressing a public gathering at Tiranga Park in Chandigarh, Shah recalled the violence that followed the assassination of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, saying thousands of Sikhs were killed, families were displaced and children were orphaned during the riots in Delhi.
Referring to former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi’s remark, “when a big tree falls, the earth shakes”, Shah said the statement remained etched in public memory and accused Congress leaders of showing insensitivity towards the victims.
He claimed that the Narendra Modi government had reopened riot-related cases, provided financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh to victims and ensured that prominent Congress leaders implicated in the cases were sent to jail. Shah described the violence as unprecedented and alleged that it had been sponsored by a political party.
Questioning the decision to organise the INDIA bloc rally on the anniversary of the violence, Shah said the BJP had appealed to the Congress to avoid November 1, 2 and 3, citing the sensitivity of the dates for Sikh families. He alleged that Rahul Gandhi had ignored these concerns despite being made aware of the significance of the occasion.
Shah also claimed that the rally was being held despite appeals from traders to postpone it until after Diwali. He cited an estimated Rs 25,000 crore worth of business during the festive period in Delhi’s wholesale markets and said traders feared losses because of disruption to shopping and commercial activity.
The Home Minister further referred to the abrogation of Article 370, the government’s campaign against Naxalism and the abolition of triple talaq as major decisions taken under Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Reiterating the Centre’s commitment to tackling drug abuse, Shah said the government aimed to make India, including Punjab, drug-free by December 31, 2029.
Earlier, he inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for development and infrastructure projects worth Rs 258 crore in Chandigarh.
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