Gurugram
Congress MP Deepender Singh Hooda on Sunday denied calling former party leader Sajjan Kumar a “role model” after facing sharp criticism over his condolence remarks following Kumar’s death.
Hooda said the words had been attributed to him by people seeking to create a political controversy.
Hooda had earlier described Kumar’s death as a loss to the country’s political landscape and praised his connect with people and contribution to Delhi’s development. The remarks triggered strong reactions from the BJP, AAP and Shiromani Akali Dal, particularly in Punjab. Punjab Congress leaders also distanced themselves from Hooda’s comments and reiterated their support for victims of the 1984 anti-Sikh violence.
The controversy intensified after senior Haryana Congress leader Kuldeep Sharma wrote to party president Mallikarjun Kharge seeking Hooda’s removal from the Congress Working Committee. Sharma said the remarks had hurt Sikh sentiments and could damage the party’s prospects in Punjab, which is headed for elections.
Sajjan Kumar (80) died on Thursday while serving two life sentences in connection with the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. The controversy over Hooda’s remarks has renewed political debate over the Congress leader’s legacy and the party’s position on the violence.
Hooda said he had never used the words “role model” and had no such sentiment. He stressed that his family had longstanding ties with the Sikh community and maintained that those responsible for the 1984 violence must face strict punishment. He also expressed regret if his remarks had hurt anyone’s feelings.
