My Statements Were Twisted’: Deepender Hooda Clarifies Remarks on Sajjan Kumar After Backlash

Congress MP Deepender Singh Hooda has clarified his remarks concerning former Congress MP Sajjan Kumar after facing criticism over comments made following Kumar's death.

Hooda said his statements had been “twisted” and strongly denied describing Kumar as a role model or expressing sentiments that could be interpreted as supporting him.

The controversy comes amid renewed attention on the 1984 anti-Sikh riots and the long-standing demand for justice by families of victims.

Deepender Hooda Denies Calling Sajjan Kumar a Role Model

Responding to questions from reporters, Hooda denied using the words “role model” for Sajjan Kumar.

He said the phrase had not been part of his original remarks and that he did not hold any such sentiment.

Hooda also claimed that English words had been inserted into his statement that he had neither used nor intended to convey.

According to Hooda, his comments were being presented in a way that could create unnecessary controversy and hurt the sentiments of the Sikh community.

Hooda Issues Apology

Amid the backlash, Hooda expressed regret if his remarks had caused pain or offence.

He said he had no intention of hurting anyone's feelings and pointed to his long-standing position on brotherhood and communal harmony.

Hooda argued that people familiar with him would know that he had never intended to make a statement that could cause hurt to the Sikh community.

Sajjan Kumar's Death Rekindles 1984 Riots Debate

The controversy follows the death of Sajjan Kumar, who was 80.

Kumar had been convicted in connection with the 1984 anti-Sikh riots and was serving life imprisonment sentences.

His death has once again brought the 1984 violence and the experiences of victims' families into public discussion.

The riots followed the assassination of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1984 and resulted in widespread violence against Sikhs, particularly in Delhi.

BJP Reacts to 1984 Sikh Riots

The controversy also drew political reactions.

Punjab BJP president Kewal Singh Dhillon said that even decades after the 1984 violence, the wounds suffered by victims and their families remained unhealed.

The BJP has frequently criticised the Congress over its handling of cases related to the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.

Hooda Says Remarks Were Used for Political Attacks

Hooda accused critics of putting words into his mouth for political purposes.

He maintained that his comments were intended in the spirit of brotherhood and were not meant to praise or defend Sajjan Kumar.

The clarification comes as political parties continue to debate the legacy of the 1984 riots and the accountability of those accused or convicted in cases linked to the violence.