Senior Haryana Congress leaders have written to Mallikarjun Kharge seeking the removal of Deepender Singh Hooda from the CWC following controversial remarks regarding the late Sajjan Kumar.

  • Internal rebellion erupts in Haryana Congress over Deepender Hooda's comments.
  • Former Speaker Kuldip Sharma seeks Hooda's removal from the Congress Working Committee (CWC).
  • Leaders warn that remarks could jeopardize Congress's standing in upcoming Punjab elections.
  • Hooda issues a clarification, claiming his words were misrepresented.

A major political storm has erupted within the Haryana Congress following controversial remarks made by Rohtak MP Deepender Singh Hooda regarding the late Congress leader Sajjan Kumar. Senior party leaders in the state have formally demanded disciplinary action against Hooda, citing potential damage to the party's relationship with the Sikh community.

Former Haryana Assembly Speaker Kuldip Sharma has escalated the matter by writing to Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge. In his letter, Sharma requested the removal of Hooda as a permanent invitee to the Congress Working Committee (CWC), labeling his recent statements as "immature" and "irresponsible."

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Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that this controversy is not merely a localized dispute but a significant strategic threat to the Congress party's expansion in Northern India. With Punjab approaching assembly elections, any perceived insensitivity toward the 1984 anti-Sikh riots legacy could alienate a crucial voter base that the party has worked hard to reclaim.

The political fallout from praising a figure associated with the 1984 riots could create an irreparable rift between the Congress and the Sikh electorate in Punjab.

The controversy stems from Hooda's comments following the death of Sajjan Kumar, a former Congress MP who was convicted in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots case. Hooda had reportedly lauded Kumar's political connection with the masses, a move that was immediately condemned by Sikh organizations and victims' families.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has seized upon the controversy to attack the Congress leadership. Haryana BJP President Archana Gupta criticized the party on social media, questioning whether the Congress high command would take decisive action to address the sentiments of thousands of families affected by the 1984 violence.

In response to the backlash, Deepender Hooda released a video statement on Sunday, August 23, 2026. He claimed that his remarks were being "distorted" and clarified that he never referred to Sajjan Kumar as a "role model." However, he expressed regret if his words had caused any hurt to the sentiments of the Sikh community.

Did You Know?: The 1984 anti-Sikh riots remain one of the most sensitive political and social issues in Indian history, deeply impacting the political landscape of Punjab and Haryana.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the core reason for the demand against Deepender Hooda?
Leaders are unhappy with his remarks regarding Sajjan Kumar, which they believe could hurt the party's prospects among Sikh voters.

2. How did Deepender Hooda respond to the allegations?
Hooda stated that his comments were misrepresented and issued an expression of regret for any hurt caused to the community.