BJP’s Amit Malviya Targets Congress Over Rahul Gandhi’s Photo with Jagdish Tytler: “Some Stains Don’t Wash Away”

Delhi: A fresh political controversy erupted on Independence Day after BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya shared a photograph of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi standing at the party headquarters with Jagdish Tytler — a figure long linked to the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.

The image, reportedly taken during a rain-soaked celebration at the Congress HQ, shows Rahul Gandhi in the foreground while Tytler is seen in the background, marked with a red circle. Posting the picture on X (formerly Twitter), Malviya alleged, “Tytler is the man who unleashed genocide on Sikhs at Rajiv Gandhi’s behest,” and accused Congress of being “unapologetic” about its past. He added the pointed remark: “Some stains don’t wash away, no matter how much time passes.”

Jagdish Tytler, a senior Congress leader, has faced decades-old accusations from victims and rights groups of involvement in the 1984 violence against Sikhs following the assassination of then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Although Tytler has consistently denied any role, the allegations have overshadowed his political career and made his public appearances a matter of intense scrutiny.

The Congress has not yet issued an official statement, but party insiders claim Tytler’s presence at functions is not unusual and should not be interpreted as an endorsement of the allegations. BJP leaders, however, have used the incident to question the party’s moral credibility and commitment to justice for riot victims.