Rohtak MP says words were 'twisted', denies calling Sajjan Kumar a 'role model'
Rohtak: Rohtak MP Deepender Hooda on Sunday expressed regret to the Sikh community after facing criticism for remarks he made while offering condolences on the death of 1984 anti-Sikh riots convict Sajjan Kumar, saying parts of his statement had been distorted and that he never described the convict as a "role model".
In a statement posted on X, Hooda said his words were being "twisted" and that "an English word is also being inserted into my statement – one that I never uttered, nor did I mean anything remotely like that." He said he had no intention of hurting members of the Sikh community and extended an apology to anyone whose feelings were offended.
"If any brother’s feelings have been hurt, then I am your brother, and I express my regret. My intention and purpose were never to hurt anyone’s heart," Hooda said in the statement posted on X, according to the report.
Hooda reiterated his respect for the Sikh community, calling it "a glorious community" and praising the community’s sacrifices for the country. He cited contributions in defence of the nation and the struggle for independence, saying such sacrifices "fill us with pride."
To underline his claim of long-standing ties with Punjabi and Sikh struggles, Hooda referred to his family history. He said his great-grandfather, Chaudhary Maturam, was sentenced to Kala Pani in 1908 alongside Sardar Ajit Singh, and that Hooda personally stood with farmers from Punjab during recent protests.
Context and response
The controversy stems from Hooda expressing condolences on the death of Sajjan Kumar, who had been convicted for his role in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. Hooda said his comments were being used by the BJP’s IT cell to discredit him, language he used in his defence on X. He denied ever using the term "role model" in relation to the convict.
The MP also reiterated his position on the 1984 violence: "Regarding what happened in 1984, we stand with the Sikh community in their fight for justice as well. They must get justice; no guilty person should be spared," he said in the statement cited in the report.
- Action taken: Hooda issued a statement on X clarifying and expressing regret.
- Denial: He denied wording attributed to him — specifically that he called Sajjan Kumar a "role model".
- Appeal: He appealed to the Sikh community, calling them a family and seeking to mend any hurt.
What Hooda said about shared struggles
Hooda invoked historical and recent joint struggles to frame his relationship with the Sikh community. He cited his family’s nationalist credentials and said he had stood with Punjabi farmers during the recent farmers’ movement. He also said the Sikh community’s sacrifices in defence and independence movements made him proud.
The report does not include contemporaneous public reactions from other political parties or community organisations in Rohtak. Hooda’s statement was limited to the content he posted on X and the excerpts published in the coverage cited.
| Person | Role | Issue |
|---|---|---|
| Deepender Hooda | Member of Parliament, Rohtak | Expressed regret after backlash for condolences on death of Sajjan Kumar |
| Sajjan Kumar | Convicted in 1984 anti-Sikh riots | Death prompted Hooda's condolence remarks |
The MP’s clarification highlights the sensitivities around public remarks on matters connected to communal violence and the lingering demands for justice from victims of past riots. Hooda’s statement sought both to distance him from the particular wording alleged to have been used and to reaffirm his support for the Sikh community's claim to justice.
As of the report, Hooda’s clarification is the only public statement from the Rohtak MP recorded in the cited coverage. The matter may continue to draw attention in political and community circles in the city given the MP’s local standing and the emotive nature of the subject.
