Congress Split After MP Calls Convicted 1984 Rioter a "Role Model"

Overview

• Sajjan Kumar died Thursday while serving two life sentences for convictions tied to the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.
• Rohtak MP Deepender Singh Hooda described Kumar as a "role model" and called his death an "irreparable loss," prompting swift backlash.
• Punjab Congress leaders, including Charanjit Singh Channi and Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, publicly condemned the praise and distanced the state unit from Hooda's remarks.
• The Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee and families of 1984 victims protested outside Rahul Gandhi’s residence demanding an apology, and rival Punjab parties have pressed Congress for clarification or disciplinary action.
• The episode has political risk for Congress in Punjab because the 1984 violence remains a deeply painful issue for Sikh families and could force the central leadership to decide between apology, discipline, or silence.