The procession from Hari Nagar to Tilak Nagar was led by Hardeep Singh Puri and included senior BJP leaders and community representatives.
March Moves Through West Delhi
The BJP organised a march in West Delhi on November 1, demanding an apology from the Congress for the 1984 anti-Sikh violence. The procession began at Hari Nagar bus depot and moved towards Tilak Nagar Metro Station, with party workers and members of the Sikh community taking part.
The march was held as the INDIA bloc conducted its separate rally at Ramlila Maidan on alleged electoral-roll irregularities. The BJP’s programme focused on the 1984 violence and the demand for recognition and justice for those affected.
Hardeep Singh Puri Leads the Demonstration
Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri led the march alongside Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa, BJP state president Harsh Malhotra and other leaders. Senior advocate H.S. Phoolka and Sikh community representatives were also among the participants.
People carried flags and placards and raised slogans calling on Congress to apologise for the violence.
Puri Refers to the Death Toll
During the demonstration, Puri described the 1984 violence as a planned massacre rather than spontaneous unrest. Referring to figures for Delhi, he said 2,733 people had been killed and argued that the victims and their families should continue to receive attention and justice.
The figure was cited by Puri during the march as he explained the BJP’s position on the events.
Apology Demand at the Centre of the March
A central demand of the demonstration was that the Congress leadership apologise for the killings of Sikhs in 1984. BJP representatives said the decision to hold a major political rally on November 1 was insensitive because the date is associated with the beginning of widespread violence following Indira Gandhi’s assassination.
The party used the march to renew its criticism of Congress and to highlight the experiences of survivors and families.
Community Memories Shared by Leaders
Gupta recalled that a Sikh neighbour had taken shelter at her parents’ home during the period of violence. She also spoke about the fear experienced by Sikh families, including accounts of people changing their appearance to avoid being identified.
Her remarks added personal recollections to the BJP’s public appeal for an apology and accountability.
Congress Response Not Included in the Report
The march took place against the backdrop of the INDIA bloc’s ‘Vote Bachao, Desh Bachao’ campaign, which focused on the SIR exercise and alleged voter-list irregularities. The BJP said its demonstration was intended to remember the 1984 victims and demand an apology from Congress.
The source report said a response from Congress to the specific allegations raised during the march was awaited at the time of publication.