New Delhi (Gurpreet Singh): Congress MP Deepender Singh Hooda on Sunday sought to clarify his remarks about former Congress leader Sajjan Kumar, denying that he had ever called him a “role model” and apologising if his comments had hurt the sentiments of the Sikh community.
Hooda’s clarification came amid mounting political criticism over his remarks following Kumar’s death on August 20. He maintained that his comments had been misinterpreted and reiterated that those found guilty of the 1984 anti-Sikh violence must face strict punishment.
‘I Never Used The Words Role Model’: Deepender Hooda
Addressing the controversy, the Rohtak MP said the phrase “role model” had been attributed to him even though he had neither used those words nor expressed such a sentiment.
“I did not use the words, nor did I harbour any such sentiment,” Hooda said, alleging that his remarks were being twisted to create a controversy.
Hooda said his relationship with the Sikh community went beyond contemporary politics and described it as a centuries-old bond of brotherhood and familial ties.
He added that he understood the pain associated with the 1984 violence and firmly believed that those responsible should receive the harshest punishment.
Deepender Hooda Apologises Over Sajjan Kumar Remarks
The Congress leader also offered an apology to anyone whose sentiments may have been hurt by his earlier comments.
“If the sentiments of any brother have been hurt, I offer a heartfelt apology. It was never my intention to hurt anyone,” Hooda said.
He described the Sikh community as a “glorious part” of India and said he took pride in its contribution to the country.
Hooda also reiterated what he described as his family’s consistent position on the 1984 violence, saying a “grave injustice” had taken place and justice must be delivered to the victims.
What Did Deepender Hooda Say About Sajjan Kumar?
The controversy began following Hooda’s remarks after Sajjan Kumar’s death on August 20.
While expressing condolences, Hooda had described Kumar as a prominent political figure in Delhi and North India. He also spoke about Kumar’s connection with people and described his death as an “irreparable loss” to the country’s political landscape.
Those comments triggered sharp reactions, particularly in Punjab, with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) targeting Hooda and the Congress.
The controversy grew after reports interpreted Hooda’s comments as describing Kumar as a “role model”. Hooda has now explicitly rejected that description.
Sajjan Kumar, a former Congress MP, had been serving a life sentence in connection with a 1984 anti-Sikh riots case at the time of his death.
Hooda maintained that his condolences should not be interpreted as a dilution of his position on the 1984 violence, reiterating that those responsible must be punished and that the Sikh community deserves justice.
