New Delhi, August 23, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Congress MP from Rohtak Deepender Singh Hooda on Sunday expressed regret over remarks attributed to him regarding former party MP Sajjan Kumar, who died at the age of 80 while serving two life sentences in connection with the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.
Hooda denied describing Kumar as a “role model”, saying the phrase being circulated in the media was neither used by him nor reflected the intended meaning of his statement. He alleged that his comments had been distorted and presented in a manner that could hurt members of the Sikh community.
“If anyone’s sentiments have been hurt, I express my regret as a brother,” Hooda said, adding that he had never intended to cause pain or disrespect. He also reiterated his support for justice for the victims of the 1984 riots.
The Congress leader referred to his family’s longstanding relationship with the Sikh community, saying the bond had continued for four generations. He said he could not imagine hurting his “brothers” in the Sikh community and described Sikhs as an integral and glorious part of India.
Hooda also recalled the community’s contribution to India’s freedom struggle and national defence. Referring to his family’s historical association with Punjab’s farmers and freedom movements, he said his great-grandfather, Chaudhary Maturam, and Sardar Ajit Singh, uncle of freedom fighter Bhagat Singh, were sentenced to Kala Pani on the same day in 1908 during the Pagri Sambhal Jatta movement.
He further said that he had supported farmers during various agitations, including the recent farmers’ movement in which participants from Punjab were involved.
Hooda’s clarification came amid political and public criticism over the alleged “role model” remark. He sought to distance himself from the characterisation and reaffirmed that his comments were never intended to undermine the Sikh community or its contribution to the country.
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