Sikh leaders from the BJP staged a protest against Rahul Gandhi near his residence in New Delhi, demanding an apology for his comments made in the US concerning Sikh identity and rights, which they deemed humiliating. Rahul Gandhi, while addressing Indian Americans, criticized the Indian government for creating an environment where Sikhs fear for their right to wear turbans and visit gurdwaras. The Congress party defended Gandhi's statements, asserting they reflected the truth about religious freedom in India and accused the BJP of spreading religious paranoia. Congress leaders emphasized that criticizing the government should not be equated with anti-national sentiment, particularly in light of the BJP's attempts to frame Gandhi's remarks as a defamation of India. As the ideological battle intensifies, both parties are preparing for upcoming electoral challenges, with the Congress highlighting issues of religious freedom. The ongoing discourse raises questions about the political use of religious identity and national unity in India.