Archive · 23 Aug 2026
Congress Controversy Deepens Over Hooda’s Sajjan Kumar Remarks
A Congress leader, Deepender Singh Hooda, spoke warmly about former party leader Sajjan Kumar after Kumar died.
Some Congress members and Sikh community members said the comments were painful because Kumar was convicted in cases connected to the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.
Kuldeep Sharma asked Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge to remove Hooda from an important party committee.
Charanjit Singh Channi also strongly criticized Hooda’s comments.
Hooda said people had misunderstood or changed his words.
He said he did not use the phrase “role model.”
He apologized if anyone’s feelings were hurt.
The disagreement has created a political problem for the Congress party, especially in relation to Punjab.
Kumar died at age 84 while serving life sentences in riot-related cases.
Congress MLA Kuldeep Sharma urged Mallikarjun Kharge to remove Deepender Singh Hooda from the Congress Working Committee.
Sharma said Hooda’s remarks about Sajjan Kumar reopened Sikh community wounds linked to the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.
Hooda said he never used the words “role model” and regretted any hurt caused by his comments.
Congress MP Charanjit Singh Channi condemned the remarks and called Sajjan Kumar a murderer and traitor.
Sajjan Kumar, a former three-time parliamentarian, died at age 84 while serving life sentences for riot-related cases.
- Who
- Deepender Singh Hooda, Kuldeep Sharma, Mallikarjun Kharge, Charanjit Singh Channi, and Sajjan Kumar are central figures.
- What
- A Congress MLA sought Hooda’s removal from the Congress Working Committee after Hooda’s tribute to Sajjan Kumar caused backlash.
- When
- Hooda made the remarks on August 20; Sharma sent his letter on Sunday, and Hooda issued a clarification the following day according to the reports.
- Where
- The controversy concerns the Congress party, with reactions from Haryana, Punjab, and New Delhi.
- Why
- Critics said the remarks reopened wounds associated with the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, while Hooda said he did not intend to hurt Sikh sentiments.
Critics of Hooda’s Remarks
Hooda’s Defense
Meaning of the tribute
Critics of Hooda’s Remarks
Kuldeep Sharma and Charanjit Singh Channi said the praise was irresponsible, hurt Sikh sentiments, and risked reopening wounds from the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.
Hooda’s Defense
Deepender Singh Hooda said his statement was being twisted and that he never used the words “role model.”
Political consequences
Critics of Hooda’s Remarks
Sharma said the controversy harmed Congress interests, gave opposition parties an opportunity to attack the party, and could affect Sikh support ahead of the Punjab assembly elections.
Hooda’s Defense
Hooda said he had no intention of hurting anyone and described the Sikh community as his family, expressing regret if anyone’s feelings were hurt.
Sajjan Kumar’s legacy
Critics of Hooda’s Remarks
Channi described Kumar as a murderer and traitor, citing alleged involvement in the conspiracy behind killings during the 1984 violence.
Hooda’s Defense
Hooda’s reported tribute emphasized Kumar’s public connect, support for people, and contribution to Delhi’s development; Hooda later disputed the characterization of his wording.
- Person at center of controversy
- Deepender Singh Hooda, Congress MP for Rohtak
- Demand
- Kuldeep Sharma asked Mallikarjun Kharge to remove Hooda from the Congress Working Committee.
- Contested wording
- Hooda denied using the English phrase “role model,” which was attributed to his comments.
- Political reaction
- Charanjit Singh Channi called Sajjan Kumar a murderer of the Sikh community and a traitor.
- Sajjan Kumar’s age at death
- 84
- Legal record
- Kumar was convicted in cases related to the 1984 anti-Sikh riots and received life sentences in 2018 and 2025 cases.
- Reported cause and location of death
- He died at Safdarjung Hospital at 12:30 pm despite resuscitation and life-support measures; authorities cited high blood pressure and Parkinson’s disease in his medical history.