Survivors of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots and various Sikh organizations have publicly questioned the timing of a planned INDIA bloc rally in Delhi, scheduled for November 1st. The groups have labeled the date selection as "insensitive" and are calling for an apology, particularly from the Congress party, which is a key constituent of the opposition alliance.

November 1st holds significant historical weight as the day the widespread anti-Sikh riots commenced in 1984, following the assassination of then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. The violence resulted in thousands of deaths and widespread displacement, predominantly affecting the Sikh community across India, with Delhi being one of the epicenters. Estimates suggest approximately 3,000 Sikhs were killed in Delhi alone during the riots, with many more suffering atrocities nationwide.

Prominent voices from the Sikh community have voiced their condemnation. Simranjit Singh Mann, President of the Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar), described the timing as "extremely insensitive" and an attempt to disregard the pain of the victims. He called for the INDIA bloc to reschedule its event out of respect for those who suffered during the pogroms.

Similarly, the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) has demanded an unconditional apology from the Congress party. Harmeet Singh Kalka, President of the DSGMC, stated that holding a rally on this specific date was an "attempt to rub salt on the wounds" of riot victims and their families. He highlighted that the Congress party, as a part of the INDIA bloc, bears a moral responsibility given the historical context of the 1984 events.

Jagdish Kaur, a key witness and survivor of the riots, also expressed profound distress over the rally's timing. She recounted the violence she witnessed, emphasizing that November 1st is irrevocably linked to suffering for countless Sikh families. Kaur stated that the decision showed a lack of empathy towards the community still grappling with the trauma and the slow pace of justice.

The INDIA bloc, an alliance of opposition parties including the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Congress, is reportedly planning the rally to strategize ahead of upcoming state assembly elections and the 2024 general elections. The inclusion of the Congress party in the alliance amplifies the political sensitivity surrounding the rally's date, given the long-standing accusations and demands for accountability related to its role in the aftermath of the 1984 events.

As of current reports, the INDIA bloc has not announced any changes to the rally schedule or issued an official response to the demands from Sikh organizations and survivors. The calls for an apology and a change of date persist, underscoring the enduring impact of the 1984 riots on public memory and political discourse.