Haryana Congress leaders seek action against Deepender Hooda over Sajjan Kumar remarks
Senior Haryana Congress leaders are calling for action against MP Deepender Singh Hooda following his controversial remarks about the late Sajjan Kumar. Hooda has since expressed regret, but critics argue the comments could damage the party's standing with the Sikh community ahead of upcoming elections.
Why it matters
Political rhetoric regarding sensitive historical events can have significant electoral consequences and impact inter-community relations.
Amid a political controversy over Rohtak MP Deepender Singh Hooda’s remarks on the late Congress leader Sajjan Kumar, senior leaders within the Haryana Congress have sought action against him, saying his comments could hurt the party’s prospects among the Sikh community.
Mr. Hooda, meanwhile, issued a video statement on Sunday (August 23, 2026) expressing regret over the controversy and said his earlier remarks had been distorted. He clarified that he had not described Sajjan Kumar as a “role model” and said he never intended to hurt the sentiments of the Sikh community.
Former Haryana Assembly Speaker Kuldip Sharma has written to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge seeking Mr. Hooda’s removal as a permanent invitee to the Congress Working Committee. Describing the remarks as “immature” and “irresponsible”, Mr. Sharma said such statements were particularly damaging at a time when Punjab is heading towards Assembly elections.
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