3 days ago
BJP MPs’ Sajjan Kumar Visit Sparks Condemnation and Reprimand
Three BJP lawmakers went to Sajjan Kumar’s home to express sympathy after he died.
Kumar had been convicted in a case connected to the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.
He was 80 and was serving a life sentence when he died.
Sikh representatives and lawyer HS Phoolka strongly criticized the lawmakers’ visit.
They said it could hurt victims and families who are still seeking justice.
They also said the visit did not match the BJP’s public position on the riots.
Party sources said the MPs went in their personal capacity.
BJP president Nitin Nabin called them in and reprimanded them.
The BJP has not announced any additional punishment.
Phoolka also said the situation was different from Congress leader Deepender Singh Hooda’s comments because he views the BJP as a party that supported the victims’ legal fight.
Three Delhi BJP MPs visited former Congress leader Sajjan Kumar’s home after his death on August 20.
The MPs were Ramvir Singh Bidhuri, Kamaljeet Sehrawat and Yogender Chandolia.
Sajjan Kumar, 80, was serving a life sentence after conviction in a case involving the killing of five men during the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.
The Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee and lawyer HS Phoolka condemned the visit as inconsistent with the BJP’s stated support for victims seeking justice.
BJP president Nitin Nabin reportedly summoned and reprimanded the MPs, while no further disciplinary action had been announced.
- Who
- The Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee, BJP president Nitin Nabin, MPs Ramvir Singh Bidhuri, Kamaljeet Sehrawat and Yogender Chandolia, and lawyer BJP leader HS Phoolka are central to the controversy.
- What
- The three MPs visited Sajjan Kumar’s home to offer condolences, prompting criticism and a reported reprimand from the BJP president.
- Where
- Sajjan Kumar’s residence in Delhi.
- When
- The visit occurred after Kumar died on August 20; the articles do not specify the year.
- Why
- The visit was criticized because Kumar had been convicted in a 1984 anti-Sikh riots case, while critics said the gesture conflicted with the BJP’s stated support for victims seeking justice.
Critics and Victims’ Advocates
MPs and BJP Position
Meaning of the condolence visit
Critics and Victims’ Advocates
The DSGMC and HS Phoolka said visiting Kumar’s home was deeply hurtful to the Sikh community and inconsistent with seeking justice for the 1984 violence.
MPs and BJP Position
Party sources said the MPs made the visit in their personal capacity, although BJP leadership said a personal gesture could not override the party’s established position.
BJP’s response
Critics and Victims’ Advocates
Phoolka welcomed Nitin Nabin’s reported reprimand but said the three MPs should be held accountable for acting against the party line.
MPs and BJP Position
Nabin reportedly summoned and strongly reprimanded the MPs; the BJP had not announced additional disciplinary action.
Comparison with Congress criticism
Critics and Victims’ Advocates
Phoolka said there was no parallel between the MPs’ visit and Deepender Singh Hooda’s remarks because, in his view, the Congress carried out, shielded or rewarded people connected to the violence.
MPs and BJP Position
The BJP’s criticism of Hooda and its reprimand of its own MPs were presented as separate responses to conduct involving the 1984 riots.
Key facts
- Organization
- Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC)
- BJP president
- Nitin Nabin
- MPs involved
- Ramvir Singh Bidhuri of South Delhi, Kamaljeet Sehrawat of West Delhi and Yogender Chandolia of North West Delhi
- Sajjan Kumar
- Died at age 80 on August 20 while serving a life sentence
- Case described
- Kumar was convicted in a case involving the killing of five men during the 1984 anti-Sikh riots
- Criticism
- DSGMC leaders and HS Phoolka said the visit hurt victims and conflicted with the BJP’s stated position
- Reported party response
- Nitin Nabin summoned and reprimanded the three MPs; no further action had been announced
Quotes
Jagdeep Singh Kahlon
DSGMC general secretary discussing past BJP support for the Sikh community
“Their action is against the party line. The party's stand has been very clear for the last 42 years. Since this massacre happened, the party has been supporting the victims, standing with the victims, demanding that the guilty should be punished and the victims should be given justice.”
NDTV
“Sajjan Kumar was a key guilty perpetrator of the 1984 Sikh massacre who cannot be forgiven under any circumstances. Three MPs visiting his house to offer condolences is an act of rubbing salt into the unhealed wounds of the Sikh community.”
NDTV
Sources
Related news
BJP Chief Reprimands Three MPs Over Sajjan Kumar Visit
BJP Reprimands Three MPs Over Sajjan Kumar Condolence Visit
BJP, AAP Clash Over 1984 Riots and Justice Claims
Sajjan Kumar Condolence Meet Draws Crowds, Political Controversy
Sajjan Kumar Tribute Triggers Punjab BJP, AAP and Akali Backlash
Sikhs Protest Rahul Gandhi’s Home Over Sajjan Kumar Remarks
BJP MLA Anil Sharma Dies After Prolonged Illness, Yogi Mourns
India’s Global Power Ambitions Face Economic and Democratic Setbacks
Sonia Gandhi Memoir Sparks Debate Over Politics, Publishing And Speech
Rajasthan BJP Promises Early Disturbed Area Law Enforcement
Punjab Police, ED Clash Over Alleged Transfer-Posting Network