Chandigarh: Congress MP Deepender Singh Hooda has drawn criticism from the BJP and Shiromani Akali Dal after allegedly describing former Congress leader Sajjan Kumar as a “role model” for the country following his death.
Kumar, who was serving a life sentence in connection with the 1984 anti-Sikh riots cases, died on Thursday.
Hooda’s reported remarks triggered a political controversy, with BJP leader Manjinder Singh Sirsa, senior lawyer H.S. Phoolka, who represented victims in the 1984 riot cases, and SAD leader Bikram Singh Majithia criticising the Congress MP.
The leaders alleged that the remarks reflected the Congress’ attitude towards the Sikh community. They questioned how a person convicted by a court in connection with the 1984 riots could be described as an example or role model for the country.
The BJP and SAD leaders said the statement would further intensify the political debate around the Congress’ handling of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots and its relationship with the Sikh community.
The controversy is particularly significant in Punjab, where the 1984 riots remain a sensitive political issue.
