A political storm erupted on social media after Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Amit Malviya posted a photograph showing Congress leader Rahul Gandhi at the party headquarters alongside Jagdish Tytler, a controversial figure linked to the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. Malviya, in his post on X, alleged that Tytler was “the man who unleashed genocide on Sikhs at Rajiv Gandhi’s behest” and criticised the Congress leadership for being “unapologetic” about past events.
The image, taken during a rain-soaked gathering during the Independence Day celebration at Congress HQ, shows Rahul Gandhi in the foreground, with Tytler circled in red in the background. Malviya’s caption, “Some stains don’t wash away, no matter how much time passes,” added fuel to the already polarised debate.
Jagdish Tytler, a senior Congress leader, has long been accused by victims and rights groups of having a role in orchestrating violence against Sikhs following the assassination of the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. While Tytler has consistently denied any wrongdoing, the allegations have cast a long shadow over his political career, making his presence alongside Rahul Gandhi politically sensitive.
The Congress party has not yet issued an official response to the controversy, but sources within the party suggested that Tytler’s attendance at events is not unusual and should not be seen as an endorsement of the allegations against him. BJP leaders, however, seized the moment to question the Congress’ moral standing and commitment to justice for the 1984 riot victims.
Political analysts say the controversy comes at a time when the Congress is attempting to project a message of unity and inclusiveness ahead of upcoming elections. The optics of Tytler’s proximity to Rahul Gandhi, they argue, risks alienating a section of voters, particularly in Punjab, where memories of the 1984 violence remain deeply painful.
As the debate rages online, the incident underscores how historical wounds continue to shape India’s political battles.
