New Delhi, Aug 23 — Congress MP from Rohtak, Deepender Singh Hooda, on Sunday expressed regret over remarks attributed to him regarding former Congress 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 said his comments had been distorted and presented in a manner that could have caused hurt among members of the Sikh community.
“If anyone’s sentiments have been hurt, I express my regret as a brother,” Hooda said, stressing that he had never intended to cause pain or disrespect. He also reiterated that he had consistently supported justice for Sikh victims of the 1984 riots.
Hooda highlighted 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.
The Congress leader also praised the community’s sacrifices in the country’s freedom struggle and in defending India’s borders. He recalled his family’s historical association with Punjab’s farmers and freedom movements, noting that his great-grandfather, Chaudhary Maturam, and Sardar Ajit Singh, uncle of Bhagat Singh, were sentenced to Kala Pani on the same day in 1908 during the Pagri Sambhal Jatta movement.
Hooda further said he had stood with farmers during various movements, including the recent farmers’ agitation involving participants from Punjab. He emphasised that his remarks were never intended to undermine the Sikh community or its contribution to the nation.
His clarification comes amid political and public criticism over the alleged “role model” remark, with the controversy prompting him to publicly distance himself from the characterisation and reaffirm his support for justice for the victims of the 1984 violence.