Sajjan Kumar's Death Reignites Political Row Over Congress's 1984 Riots Legacy

The death of former Congress MP Sajjan Kumar, who was serving a life sentence in connection with the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, has triggered a political backlash against the Congress, with the BJP, AAP and Shiromani Akali Dal questioning tributes paid by some party leaders. The controversy has become particularly sensitive in Punjab, where memories of the 1984 violence continue to influence political sentiment.

Congress leaders from outside Punjab, including MP Deepender Singh Hooda and senior leader Udit Raj, publicly expressed condolences following Kumar’s death. Hooda described his death as an “irreparable loss” and said Kumar had been regarded as a role model across the country, while Raj also called his death a “great and irreparable loss” for the party. Their remarks have drawn criticism from political opponents.

The BJP has used the statements to target the Congress, questioning how party leaders could honour Kumar despite his conviction in a case linked to the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. The party also sought to contrast the tributes with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s message of “mohabbat ki dukan”, arguing that the comments by party leaders raise questions about the Congress’s position on the violence and those convicted in connection with it.

Also Read: Sajjan Kumar, Former Congress MP Convicted In 1984 Riots Case, Passes Away

The Shiromani Akali Dal has also criticised the Congress over the issue. Senior leader Daljeet Singh Cheema said that the party was continuing to defend Kumar even after his death, arguing that more than four decades after the 1984 violence, Congress leaders should not continue to defend him. The remarks reflect the continuing political sensitivity surrounding the riots and the Congress’s historical association with several figures accused or convicted in related cases.

The Aam Aadmi Party has joined the criticism, with AAP leader Baltej Pannu alleging that Kumar’s death and the subsequent statements by Congress leaders had exposed what he described as the party’s “real face towards minorities”. At the same time, prominent leaders of the Punjab Congress have so far remained publicly silent on Kumar’s death, highlighting the political sensitivity of the matter within the state.

The controversy comes ahead of the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections, with political parties already intensifying their activities in the state. Rahul Gandhi is expected to visit Punjab early next month as the Congress prepares to step up its political campaign. The renewed debate over Sajjan Kumar and the 1984 riots could therefore add another sensitive issue to the political discourse in Punjab in the run-up to the election.

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