Punjab Congress Distances Itself From Deepender Hooda’s Remarks On Sajjan Kumar

Punjab Congress has distanced itself from Haryana Congress MP Deepender Singh Hooda’s remarks describing former Congress leader Sajjan Kumar as an “example” and his death as an “irreparable loss” to the country’s political landscape.

The comments triggered a political row in Punjab, with state Congress leaders condemning any attempt to portray Kumar as a role model and stressing that the victims of the 1984 anti-Sikh violence must not be forgotten.

Channi, Warring Reject Hooda’s Remarks

Congress MP from Jalandhar and former Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi strongly criticised Kumar during a visit to Ludhiana on Saturday. He described Kumar as a “murderer of the Sikhs” and rejected any attempt to portray him as a role model.

In a video message posted on X, Channi said praising Kumar was unacceptable, pointing to the thousands of Sikhs killed during the 1984 violence. He said the issue went beyond Punjab and the Sikh community and concerned justice and humanity.

Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring also sought to distance the state unit from Hooda’s comments, saying they could represent his “personal view”. Warring described the 1984 violence as a “massive tragedy” and said the pain and trauma suffered by victims could not be forgotten.

What Did Deepender Hooda Say?

The controversy began after Sajjan Kumar died at the age of 80. Kumar was serving two life sentences in connection with the 1984 anti-Sikh violence.

Following his death, Hooda praised Kumar’s connection with people and his contribution to Delhi’s development. He said Kumar’s example of standing by people in their joys and sorrows continued to be remembered.

The remarks drew immediate criticism in Punjab, where the 1984 violence remains a deeply sensitive political issue.

AAP, BJP And SAD Attack Congress

The controversy has also drawn criticism from rival parties in Punjab. The Aam Aadmi Party, BJP and Shiromani Akali Dal have questioned whether Hooda’s remarks represent the Congress’ official position.

AAP MLA Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal said the wounds of the 1984 violence remained alive among Sikh families and demanded action against Hooda. He also sought clarification from Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and senior leaders Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi.

Punjab BJP president Kewal Singh Dhillon said the remarks were insensitive towards families affected by the violence and accused Congress leaders of reopening painful memories.

SAD leaders Bikram Singh Majithia and Daljit Singh Cheema demanded an unconditional apology from Hooda and the Congress, saying his remarks had hurt the Sikh community and the families of the victims.