Congress faces backlash over Deepender Hooda’s remarks on Sajjan Kumar

August 21, 2026

Chandigarh: Congress MP Deepender Singh Hooda has faced criticism from BJP and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leaders after describing former Congress leader Sajjan Kumar as an “example” for the country following his death.

Sajjan Kumar was convicted in connection with the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. Hooda’s remarks have triggered a political controversy, with BJP leader Manjinder Singh Sirsa, advocate H.S. Phoolka and SAD leader Bikram Singh Majithia accusing Congress of continuing to hold an insensitive position towards the victims of the 1984 violence.

What Deepender Hooda said

In his condolence message, Hooda described Sajjan Kumar as a personality whose connect with people across Delhi and North India was exemplary.

Hooda said Kumar’s contribution to Delhi’s development and his involvement in people’s joys and sorrows would continue to be remembered as examples.

He also expressed condolences to Kumar’s family and prayed for his soul.

The remarks have drawn criticism from political opponents, who questioned the description of a 1984 riots convict as an “example” or “role model”.

BJP, SAD leaders attack Congress

Delhi Minister and BJP leader Manjinder Singh Sirsa strongly criticised Hooda’s remarks and accused Congress of continuing to display what he described as an anti-Sikh mindset.

Sirsa said Sajjan Kumar had been convicted by courts in connection with cases related to the 1984 anti-Sikh violence and questioned how a person convicted in such cases could be described as a role model.

Advocate H.S. Phoolka, who represented victims of the 1984 violence in legal proceedings, also criticised the statement.

Phoolka said it was “shameful” to project Sajjan Kumar as a role model and alleged that Congress leaders had protected individuals accused in the 1984 violence. His remarks included allegations concerning the role of the then Congress government and former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.

Majithia seeks response from Punjab Congress leaders

SAD leader Bikram Singh Majithia also targeted Congress over Hooda’s remarks.

Majithia said Punjab Congress leaders Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, Partap Singh Bajwa and Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa should clarify their position on Hooda’s statement.

He questioned whether Punjab Congress leaders agreed with Hooda’s description of Sajjan Kumar and asked whether they would attend or boycott his final rites.

The controversy has put Congress leaders in Punjab under political pressure, with BJP and SAD leaders using Hooda’s remarks to question the party’s position on the 1984 anti-Sikh violence.