Congress Leaders Clash Over Praise for Convicted 1984 Riots Perpetrator Sajjan Kumar

A sharp internal rift has emerged within the Congress party following the death of former MP Sajjan Kumar, who was serving a life sentence for his role in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. Congress MP and former Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi has strongly criticized his party colleagues for describing Kumar as a "role model" and an "irreparable loss," warning them to "mind their tongue."

Sajjan Kumar, 80, died on August 20 while serving a life sentence. He was convicted by the Delhi High Court in 2018 for his involvement in the Raj Nagar case, which involved the killing of five members of a family and the burning of a gurdwara during the 1984 violence.

Channi Condemns Praise for Sajjan Kumar

In a video posted on the social media platform X on Saturday, Channi expressed strong disapproval of those within his party who praised Kumar. Channi described Kumar as a traitor and a killer of the Sikh community who conspired to have Sikhs killed.

"Far from being a role model, even uttering his name is a sin. If such people become role models, then the country will be destroyed," Channi said in the video. He added that Kumar should have been shot in a public place instead of dying in prison, asserting that anyone calling him a role model should "mind their tongue and themselves."

Channi's remarks were directed at comments made by some Congress leaders, including Deepender Hooda, following Kumar's death. Hooda had described Kumar's passing as an "irreparable loss" and praised his connection with the public and his contributions to Delhi and North India, calling his relationship with the people "an example."

Protests Outside Rahul Gandhi's Residence

The praise for Kumar sparked immediate backlash, leading to protests in New Delhi. Sikh leaders and families affected by the 1984 anti-Sikh riots gathered outside the residence of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi at 5, Sunehri Bagh Road, demanding an apology from the party leadership.

The protest, held amid heavy police barricading, was led by Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) president Harmeet Singh Kalka and general secretary Jagdeep Singh Kahlon. A DSGMC leader questioned whether the Congress party officially endorsed the remarks describing the convicted rioter as a "hero" and "role model."

In response to the controversy, Congress MP Gurjeet Singh Aujla distanced himself and the party from Hooda's remarks. Aujla stated that the comments represented Hooda's personal opinion and did not reflect the party's stance.

"Sajjan Kumar did misdeeds. He has been punished for his actions. A leader does not lead in harming others. We stand with those who died due to him," Aujla said, reiterating that the party stands with the victims of the 1984 violence.

BJP Demands Unconditional Apology

The opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) strongly condemned the statements from the Congress leaders. Senior BJP leader Ravneet Singh Bittu stated that mourning and paying tribute to a convicted perpetrator of the 1984 massacre exposes a "deeply disturbing mindset" within the Congress party.

Bittu described the glorification of Kumar as a grave insult to the thousands of innocent Sikhs who were killed and called on the Congress to offer an unconditional apology to the nation. Punjab BJP president Kewal Singh Dhillon echoed these sentiments, stating that describing Kumar as a role model reopened painful memories for the victims' families and reflected an "anti-Sikh mindset."

Sajjan Kumar was convicted for acting as a key orchestrator of violence in Outer Delhi during the 1984 riots. Court findings and witness testimonies established that he used his political influence to lead and organize mobs, distribute weapons, and incite crowds to target Sikh residents and burn their properties following the assassination of Indira Gandhi.