Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a designated Khalistani terrorist and co-founder of the pro-separatist organisation Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), has publicly backed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi following his recent remarks about religious freedoms for Sikhs in India. Pannun described Gandhi’s statements as “bold and pioneering,” asserting that they justify the demand for a separate Khalistani state. The controversial remarks were made during an event in Herndon, Virginia, in the United States, on September 9, where Gandhi highlighted what he perceives as an “existential threat” to Sikh identity and religious freedoms in India.

Rahul Gandhi’s Remarks at US Event Spark Controversy

During his speech to Indian Americans in Virginia, Rahul Gandhi discussed the perceived discrimination against religious minorities in India, focusing specifically on the Sikh community. “The fight (in India) is about whether a Sikh is going to be allowed to wear a turban…whether a Sikh will be allowed to wear a kada or go to the Gurudwara. That’s what the fight is about, and it’s not just for Sikhs, but for all religions,” said Gandhi. His comments suggested a broader struggle for religious rights under the current socio-political climate in India.

Gandhi’s statements drew widespread attention, especially from groups advocating for Khalistan, a proposed independent state for Sikhs. Gurpatwant Singh Pannun seized the moment to claim that Gandhi’s words align with SFJ’s global Khalistan Referendum campaign, which seeks to establish a separate Sikh homeland.

Pannun: Gandhi’s Words ‘Firmly Grounded in History’

Pannun, who is wanted by Indian authorities for his alleged involvement in secessionist activities, released a statement on social media echoing Gandhi’s concerns. He described Gandhi’s remarks as not only courageous but also “firmly grounded in the factual history of what Sikhs have been facing under successive regimes in India since 1947.” According to Pannun, these comments support SFJ’s stance on the legitimacy of the Punjab Independence Referendum.

He went on to argue that Gandhi’s comments validate the global campaign for a separate Khalistani state and that the existential threat to Sikhs Gandhi referred to is evidence of the need for independence.

Criticism of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS)

Rahul Gandhi also took a swipe at the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a right-wing Hindu nationalist organisation in India, during his address. He claimed that the RSS and its affiliates consider certain religions, languages, and communities inferior to others, further intensifying his criticism of the current socio-political landscape in India. “The fight in India is not about politics but about the rights of individuals to practice their religion freely,” he stated, adding fuel to the ongoing debate on religious and cultural freedoms in India.

Implications for Indian Politics and Society

Rahul Gandhi’s statements, and Pannun’s subsequent endorsement, are likely to spark renewed debates about religious freedom and the rights of minorities in India. While Gandhi has positioned himself as a defender of these rights, his remarks could be seen as aligning with groups advocating for separatism, potentially complicating his political strategy back home. The endorsement by a designated terrorist like Pannun may add another layer of controversy to the unfolding narrative.

  Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, Indian Politics, Khalistan, Rahul Gandhi, Religious Freedom in India, RSS, Sikhs For Justice