Deepender Hooda Apologises To Sikh Community Over Sajjan Kumar 'Role Model' Remark

Congress MP Deepender Singh Hooda has clarified his remarks and apologised following widespread criticism over his comments concerning the late leader Sajjan Kumar. The parliamentarian faced severe backlash from the Sikh community after he referred to Kumar as a "role model" across the country.

Hooda said his original remarks were misrepresented. "For the past two days, I have been watching my statement being twisted and presented before people. And an English word is also being inserted into my statement, which I never said, nor did I mean anything remotely like that," Hooda said.

The Congress lawmaker said he has deep respect for the community. "I had no intention of hurting any of our brothers. I cannot even think of hurting the Sikh community or our brothers. I never had any such feeling," Hooda said.

He apologised for any distress caused by the incident. "But even then, the Sikh community is our own family. If any brother’s sentiments have been hurt, I am your brother and I express my regret. My intention was never to hurt anyone," Hooda said.

Historical Ties With Sikhs

Hooda defended his position by outlining his family's historical solidarity with the Sikh community. He said the Sikh population has consistently made unforgettable sacrifices for India's border defence and freedom struggle, describing the community as an integral part of his own family.

During the 1908 'Pagri Sambhal Jatta' movement, his great-grandfather, Chaudhary Maturam Ji, was sentenced to Kala Pani alongside Sardar Ajit Singh Ji, the uncle of freedom fighter Bhagat Singh.

Hooda pointed to his recent actions as proof of this ongoing relationship. He highlighted his immediate personal support for farmers from Punjab when they arrived to participate in the farmers' movement.

Justice For 1984 Riots

Addressing the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, the Congress MP said he supports accountability. "And in what happened in 1984, we are also with them in the Sikh community’s fight for justice. They should get justice; no guilty person should be spared," Hooda said.

The controversy began after Hooda commented on the recent death of Sajjan Kumar. He had previously described the late politician's passing as an irreparable loss to the Indian political landscape.

During those initial remarks, Hooda praised Kumar's connect with people and contribution to Delhi's development. He reportedly described him as a "role model" across the country, triggering the current backlash.