The Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) has strongly condemned the visit of three Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MPs to the residence of former Congress leader Sajjan Kumar, who was convicted in a 1984 anti-Sikh riots case. The committee has written to BJP president Nitin Nabin, demanding strict disciplinary action against the three lawmakers over their decision to visit Kumar's home to offer condolences to his family.

The controversy followed a visit by South Delhi MP Ramvir Singh Bidhuri, West Delhi MP Kamaljeet Sehrawat and Northwest Delhi MP Yogender Chandolia. The three leaders reportedly visited Kumar's residence after his death to convey condolences to his family.

Their visit has triggered criticism from Sikh organisations and political circles, with the DSGMC objecting strongly to any public gesture that could be perceived as showing sympathy towards Kumar. Sajjan Kumar, 80, died on August 20 while serving a life sentence in connection with the killing of five men during the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. His conviction followed a long legal process surrounding allegations of his involvement in the violence. His death and the subsequent visit by the BJP MPs have now reignited debate over how political leaders should respond to individuals convicted in cases connected to the 1984 violence.

DSGMC chief Harmeet Singh Kalka and general secretary Jagdeep Singh Kahlon said Kumar was a key perpetrator of what they described as the 1984 Sikh genocide. They maintained that his alleged role in the violence could not be forgiven and criticised the BJP lawmakers for visiting his home.

The committee argued that the MPs' action was particularly insensitive given the history of the case and the continuing emotional significance of the 1984 violence for the Sikh community. The DSGMC leaders also pointed to their earlier criticism of Congress leader Deepender Hooda over remarks in which he referred to Sajjan Kumar as a party role model.

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The committee said it had strongly objected to those comments and maintained that it would apply the same standard to politicians from other parties. By drawing the comparison, the DSGMC said its opposition to political gestures involving Kumar was based on the issue itself rather than party affiliation. The visit has also prompted a response from the BJP leadership.

BJP president Nitin Nabin summoned the three MPs and strongly reprimanded them over their actions, according to the report. The development indicates that the controversy has been taken seriously within the party as criticism grew over the lawmakers' decision to visit Kumar's residence. The DSGMC has now sought formal disciplinary action against Bidhuri, Sehrawat and Chandolia.

The committee's demand comes amid renewed sensitivity surrounding the legacy of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots and the political figures associated with cases arising from the violence. For Sikh organisations, references to or gestures involving convicted perpetrators remain deeply contentious, particularly when they come from elected representatives.

The controversy highlights the continuing political and social sensitivity surrounding the 1984 anti-Sikh riots decades after the violence. The DSGMC has reiterated that it will oppose any attempt to portray Kumar positively or extend gestures that could be interpreted as overlooking his conviction. With the BJP leadership having already reprimanded the three MPs, the demand for further disciplinary action remains at the centre of the dispute between the Sikh body and the party.

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