Deepender Hooda denies calling Sajjan Kumar a ‘role model’

Congress MP Deepender Hooda has issued a clarification following controversy over remarks made regarding the late Sajjan Kumar, a leader convicted for his role in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. After Kumar passed away at age 80, Hooda faced intense criticism from political parties, including the BJP, Shiromani Akali Dal, and Aam Aadmi Party, who accused him of harboring an ‘anti-Sikh mindset’ after he allegedly referred to Kumar as a ‘role model.’

Hooda denied using the term ‘role model’ and stated that his words were being taken out of context and misrepresented. He expressed regret if his comments caused any hurt to the Sikh community, emphasizing that his family has maintained close emotional and historical ties with Sikhs for four generations.

In a video posted on social media, Hooda highlighted his family's history of supporting Sikh causes, noting that his great-grandfather and Sardar Ajit Singh were both sentenced to ‘kala pani’ on the same day. He reiterated his commitment to seeking justice for those affected by the 1984 riots and affirmed his respect for the Sikh community.