It is widely believed that Rajiv Gandhi was responsible (as the leader of the INC and the government then) for the anti-Sikh riots in the wake of the assassination of his mother. It is also proven that certain INC leaders led mobs that rioted, looted, burned, and killed Sikhs and their property (yes, RSS leaders were involved too, but that is not the point of this post).
Rahul Gandhi, Rajiv’s son, never personally involved in the riots, and not an office bearer of the INC at the present moment, bar his MPship from Waynand on the party ticket, has apologised at least twice on record for the INC’s alleged role in the riots.
The INC, under his mother (Rajiv’s widow), has had two terms of a Sikh PM, and not just a rubber stamp, but a personality recognised worldwide for his knowledge, wisdom, and foresight, as well as someone who still retains the respect and weight in the party, despite his extremely advanced age.
Rahul recently visited Harmandir Sahib (the holiest shrine of the Indian Sikhs) and did Seva (yes, real Seva, not the photo op wala Seva…you have doubts? Ask those who were present).
Please note that his grandmother was seen as responsible for the desecration of the said shrine (for the sake of this post, the truth, or otherwise, in that statement is immaterial) and was killed by her Sikh bodyguards for the same.
Does that wipe away the crime, and the sin, of the attempted genocide of a community that has contributed blood, sweat, and tears to this nation? No. But does that show, at the very least, that Rahul Gandhi is on the right side of history, or at least his intentions are? Yes. That he is courageous and honest? Yes. That he wishes to right the wrongs in whatever way he thinks is within his power? Yes. That he understands that despite his not being personally involved even by a long shot in the riots, he is seen by the public as carrying the mantle of the family that has aggrieved the Sikhs, and that it is his responsibility someone to show repentance and try and build bridges? Yes. Does that show him to be a better man than most of us can aspire to be? Yes. Does that make him a leader worthy of being elected to office and representing us? Most certainly.
Now, let Narendra Modi do the same with Muslims before the right-wingers keep advancing ‘1984’ as an argument against everything from Babri 1992, to Godhra 2002, to Mohammad Akhlaq & Pehlu Khan, to Mohammed Afrazul (doesn’t ring a bell? Try Shambhulal Regar), to Tripta Tyagi, to Sidheeq Kappan, to Umar Khalid, to Danish Ali (no? Try Ramesh Bidhuri), to whatever hell awaits us in the future.
Dear Mr Modi, you want to match the great-grandfather. In your fucking dreams. Try matching the great-grandson first. Tumse who bhi na ho payega. Baat kartaa hai.
