BJP Leader, 1984 Riots Lawyer Slams Party MPs Over Sajjan Kumar House Visit
Three BJP MPs in Delhi faced reprimands from party leadership after visiting the home of the late Sajjan Kumar, who was convicted for his role in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. The visit sparked outrage from senior BJP leader HS Phoolka, who argued the action contradicted the party's long-standing commitment to seeking justice for riot victims.
Why it matters
The incident highlights internal political friction regarding historical accountability and the sensitivity of the 1984 riots in Indian politics.
A political controversy has erupted within the BJP after three of its Delhi Lok Sabha MPs paid a condolence visit to the residence of former Congress leader Sajjan Kumar following his death on August 20.Kumar was convicted in a 1984 anti-Sikh riots case. The visit by Ramvir Singh Bidhuri, MP from South Delhi; Kamaljeet Sehrawat, MP from West Delhi; and Yogender Chandolia, MP from North West Delhi, drew sharp criticism from senior advocate and BJP leader HS Phoolka, who has represented victims of the 1984 violence for decades.Following the controversy, BJP National President Nitin Nabin summoned the three MPs and reprimanded them for violating the party's stated position on the 1984 riots, according to sources.Speaking exclusively to NDTV, Phoolka denounced the visit and said it was inconsistent with the BJP's longstanding position of seeking justice for the victims of the 1984 violence."Their action is against the party line.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in