Amid a political controversy over Rohtak MP Deepender Singh Hooda’s remarks on the late Congress leader Sajjan Kumar, senior leaders within the Haryana Congress have sought action against him, saying his comments could hurt the party’s prospects among the Sikh community.

Mr. Hooda, meanwhile, issued a video statement on Sunday (August 23, 2026) expressing regret over the controversy and said his earlier remarks had been distorted. He clarified that he had not described Sajjan Kumar as a “role model” and said he never intended to hurt the sentiments of the Sikh community.

Former Haryana Assembly Speaker Kuldip Sharma has written to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge seeking Mr. Hooda’s removal as a permanent invitee to the Congress Working Committee. Describing the remarks as “immature” and “irresponsible”, Mr. Sharma said such statements were particularly damaging at a time when Punjab is heading towards Assembly elections.

Mr. Sharma told The Hindu on the phone that Sikh voters had supported the Congress in the 2024 Lok Sabha election despite the party’s alleged association with the legacy of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.

“Punjab elections are at our threshold. Such an irresponsible statement is going to harm the prospects of the party in Punjab,” he said, adding that instead of assuaging the feelings of Sikhs, a party leader had made comments in support of Sajjan Kumar.

Sajjan Kumar, a former Congress leader, was convicted in a 1984 anti-Sikh riots case. His death three days ago triggered Mr. Hooda’s controversial remarks, in which he described Mr. Kumar as a prominent political figure whose connect with people was an example for others to follow.

The comments drew criticism from Congress leaders in Punjab and Haryana, rival political parties, Sikh organisations and families affected by the 1984 violence.

BJP slams Congress

Haryana BJP president Archana Gupta also attacked the Congress over the controversy. In a post on Facebook, she said the memories of the 1984 violence remained alive among thousands of Sikh families and demanded that the Congress leadership clarify what action it would take against Mr. Hooda.

Congress leader Shamsher Singh Gogi, describing himself as a Sikh and Congress supporter, also condemned statements supporting Sajjan Kumar. He said such remarks reopened the wounds of families affected by the 1984 anti-Sikh violence and undermined the Congress’s efforts to rebuild its relationship with the Sikh community.

In his video statement on Sunday, Mr. Hooda said people had been presenting his remarks in a distorted manner for the past two days.

“I have not said that the word ‘role model’ has been attributed to me. I have not said that,” he said, adding that his intention was never to hurt anyone or the sentiments of the Sikh community.

“Still, if someone has been hurt, I express regret,” Mr. Hooda said.

Published - August 23, 2026 08:03 pm IST