‘A loss...’: BJP targets Congress over Deepender Hooda’s remarks after Sajjan Kumar’s death

New Delhi: A political controversy erupted following the death of former Congress MP Sajjan Kumar, who was serving a life sentence in Tihar Jail after being convicted in connection with the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.

Bharatiya Janata Party leader Pradeep Bhandari attacked the Congress after party MP Deepender Singh Hooda described Kumar as a prominent political figure and said his connection with people was exemplary. The BJP accused the Congress of glorifying a convicted figure and insulting the victims of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.

The BJP has demanded an apology from the Congress, alleging that Hooda’s remarks reflect hostility towards the Sikh community ahead of key elections in Punjab.

Reacting to Kumar’s death, Congress MP Deepender Singh Hooda said, "A loss has occurred on the country's political horizon that cannot be compensated for. Sajjan Kumar was not only a prominent figure in Delhi and rural Delhi but across North India. His connection with the people was exemplary, and he is cited as an example across our country..."

Kumar, who was serving two life sentences in connection with the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, died in Delhi on Thursday at the age of 80.

According to his profile on the Lok Sabha website, Kumar is survived by his wife, two daughters and one son. His cremation is scheduled to take place in Delhi on Friday.

Sajjan Kumar dies at 80 in Delhi Hospital

Kumar was brought from Tihar Jail to Safdarjung Hospital around 11 am after he developed an altered sensorium.

"He was immediately admitted, and resuscitation measures were initiated," the hospital said in a statement.

"Despite providing all necessary medical and life-support measures, he could not be saved and passed away at 12:30 pm," it said.

"He was a known case of high blood pressure and Parkinson's disease and had a history of multiple hospital admissions in the past," the statement added.

Kumar had been serving two life sentences over his conviction in cases related to the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.

The development came on the day the Supreme Court was scheduled to hear Kumar’s plea seeking three weeks of parole on medical grounds in connection with his ailing wife.