Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh

Congress MP Deepender Singh Hooda’s remarks praising former party leader Sajjan Kumar following his death have triggered a political controversy, with the BJP and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) accusing the Congress of continuing to display an anti-Sikh mindset.

Sajjan Kumar was convicted in connection with the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. Hooda, the son of former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda and MP from Rohtak, visited Kumar’s residence in Delhi on Thursday to pay his last respects.

Speaking at the residence, Hooda described Kumar as a prominent figure whose public connect was an example for others.

“There has been a loss on the political horizon of the country that cannot be compensated. Sajjan Kumar ji was a personality not only of Delhi and rural Delhi but of the entire North India. His connect with people was an example. He was known for standing by people in their joys and sorrows, and his contribution to the development of Delhi will always be remembered,” Hooda said.

His remarks drew sharp criticism from BJP leader Manjinder Singh Sirsa, who accused the Congress of glorifying a person convicted in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.

Sirsa said describing Sajjan Kumar as a role model was “extremely shameful” and alleged that the statement reflected the Congress’s attitude towards the Sikh community. He also questioned the party’s historical role in the 1984 riots and accused Congress leaders of continuing to support those associated with the violence.

Advocate HS Phoolka, who represented victims of the 1984 riots, and SAD leader Bikram Singh Majithia also criticised the Congress over Hooda’s remarks.

The leaders alleged that the Congress continues to harbour hostility towards Sikhs and questioned how a person convicted by a court in connection with the riots could be described as an example or role model for the country.