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New Delhi : A major political controversy has erupted following the visit of three Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MPs to the residence of former Congress MP Sajjan Kumar—who was serving a life sentence for the 1984 anti-Sikh riots—to offer condolences after his passing. This move by the three Delhi BJP MPs has sparked strong opposition both within and outside the party.
The three Delhi BJP Lok Sabha MPs facing backlash are Ramvir Singh Bidhuri (South Delhi), Yogendra Chandolia (North-West Delhi), and Kamaljeet Sehrawat (West Delhi). They had recently visited the residence of the late Sajjan Kumar—a former Congress MP convicted in the 1984 riots—to meet his family and express their condolences. Sajjan Kumar passed away on August 20.
Senior Advocate H.S. Phoolka, who has waged a long legal battle for justice for the victims of the Sikh riots and recently joined the BJP, has sharply criticized the MPs’ actions. He stated that while the BJP has consistently supported the 1984 victims and fought to keep Sajjan Kumar behind bars, it is deeply shameful for party MPs to visit the home of a man convicted of genocide to offer condolences. Phoolka has appealed to the public to completely boycott these three MPs.
In light of the escalating controversy and the resentment within the Sikh community, the BJP leadership has adopted a stern stance on the matter. According to party sources, BJP President Nitin Navin has severely reprimanded the three MPs and expressed his displeasure.
Meanwhile, clarifying the party’s official position, BJP spokesperson RP Singh stated that the three MPs visited Sajjan Kumar’s residence entirely in their “personal capacity” and not as representatives of the party. On the other hand, other opposition parties, including the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), have also started cornering the BJP on this issue and have expressed a sharp reaction.
Report – Abhijit Tushar Bhatt (Political Editor)
