Chandigarh, August 21, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Punjab spokesperson and MLA Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal on Friday criticised Congress MP Deepender Singh Hooda over his reported remarks on former party leader Sajjan Kumar, saying the statement had deeply hurt the Sikh community.
Dhaliwal demanded that the Congress leadership immediately expel Hooda from the party for defending Kumar, who was convicted in connection with the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.
“Deepender Hooda describing Sajjan Kumar, a killer of Sikhs, as his role model and a good human being has deeply hurt and wounded the entire Sikh community,” Dhaliwal said in a statement.
He appealed to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and senior leaders Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi to take immediate action against Hooda, saying there should be no place in a political party for leaders whose remarks could hurt victims and their families.
Dhaliwal also questioned the silence of Punjab Congress leaders and urged them to publicly condemn Hooda’s remarks and demand his expulsion.
“If Punjab Congress leaders remain silent on this issue or do not oppose Deepender Hooda, it will be assumed that they too support Deepender Hooda’s anti-Sikh mindset,” he said.
The AAP leader alleged that the Congress had historically patronised and honoured leaders accused in cases related to the 1984 violence. He cited earlier controversy over photographs involving senior Congress leaders and Jagdish Tytler, who has faced allegations in connection with the riots.
“Describing a person like Sajjan Kumar as a role model is an insult to the victims and their families,” Dhaliwal said, reiterating his demand for Hooda’s expulsion.
He said the Congress leadership should act without delay and make its position clear on remarks concerning the victims of the 1984 violence. He also urged Punjab Congress leaders to break their silence and publicly oppose Hooda’s statement.
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