# Controversy over Deepender Hooda remarks on Sajjan Kumar

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/controversy-over-deepender-hooda-remarks-on-sajjan-kumar
> Updated: 2026-08-23T17:34:34.000Z. Sources: 10. Developments: 3.

Controversy has emerged within the Indian National Congress following remarks made by MP Deepender Hooda regarding the late Sajjan Kumar, a figure convicted for his role in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. Hooda reportedly described Kumar’s passing as an “irreparable loss,” with critics alleging he referred to Kumar as a “role model.”

The comments triggered significant backlash from political opponents, including the BJP, Shiromani Akali Dal, and Aam Aadmi Party, who accused Hooda of harboring an “anti-Sikh mindset.” Within the Congress party, former Haryana Assembly Speaker Kuldeep Sharma requested that Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge remove Hooda from the Congress Working Committee (CWC), warning of potential damage in Punjab and Haryana.

In response, Hooda issued a clarification and an apology. He denied using the term “role model,” claiming his words were misrepresented and taken out of context. To address accusations regarding his stance on the Sikh community, Hooda released a video highlighting his family’s historical ties to Sikh causes, noting that his great-grandfather and Sardar Ajit Singh were both sentenced to “kala pani” on the same day. He expressed regret if his comments caused hurt and reiterated his commitment to seeking justice for those affected by the 1984 riots.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-23: Deepender Hooda denies calling Sajjan Kumar a ‘role model’

Congress MP Deepender Hooda denied calling convicted anti-Sikh riot leader Sajjan Kumar a ‘role model,’ expressing regret for any hurt caused to the Sikh community while claiming his words were misrepresented.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/deepender-hooda-denies-calling-sajjan-kumar-a-role-model

### 2026-08-23: Kuldeep Sharma urges removal of Deepender Hooda from Congress Working Committee

Congress leader Kuldeep Sharma has urged party president Mallikarjun Kharge to remove MP Deepender Hooda from the CWC following controversial remarks regarding 1984 riots convict Sajjan Kumar.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kuldeep-sharma-urges-removal-of-deepender-hooda-from-congress-working-committee

### 2026-08-21: Deepender Hooda faces calls for removal from Congress CWC over Sajjan Kumar remarks

Congress MP Deepender Hooda faces calls for removal from the CWC after remarks regarding 1984 riots convict Sajjan Kumar sparked backlash from Sikh leaders and political rivals.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/deepinder-hooda-faces-expulsion-demand-over-sajjan-kumar-comments

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Cite as: Controversy over Deepender Hooda remarks on Sajjan Kumar. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/controversy-over-deepender-hooda-remarks-on-sajjan-kumar