What happened: Congress leaders seek action against Deepender Singh Hooda after Sajjan Kumar’s death
Senior Haryana Congress leaders demanded action against Rohtak MP Deepender Singh Hooda over remarks he made after the death of Congress leader Sajjan Kumar. Sajjan Kumar was convicted in a 1984 anti-Sikh riots case. Leaders said Hooda’s comments could harm Congress prospects among the Sikh community.
After criticism, Hooda issued a video statement. Hooda said his earlier statements were distorted in the public interpretation and added that Hooda had not described Sajjan Kumar as a role model.
Former Haryana Assembly Speaker Kuldip Sharma wrote to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge. Sharma asked for Hooda’s removal as a permanent invitee to the Congress Working Committee (CWC). Sharma described the remarks as immature and irresponsible and argued that the impact is stronger because Punjab is moving towards Assembly elections.
Kuldip Sharma told The Hindu that Sikh voters supported Congress in the 2024 Lok Sabha election, despite alleged association with the 1984 riots legacy, and warned that the latest controversy could affect Congress in Punjab. Congress leader Shamsher Singh Gogi was quoted saying such remarks can reopen wounds of affected families. BJP criticized the Congress and demanded clarification on the action Congress will take against Hooda.
Background and earlier position: Sajjan Kumar’s conviction and the political sensitivity of 1984 anti-Sikh riots legacy
Related current affairs
- Haryana Congress leaders seek action against Deepender Hooda over remarks on Sajjan Kumar
- Sajjan Kumar, convict in anti-Sikh riots case, dies
- Conviction after 34 years: how Sajjan Kumar dodged law
- With key convict dead, survivors recall horror
- Sajjan Kumar (file photo) and case context box
- Punjab Congress begins booth-level mass mobilisation ahead of 2027 Assembly polls; Channi absent