Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Nitin Nabin has reprimanded three Delhi party MPs after they visited the family of former Congress leader Sajjan Kumar to offer condolences following his death. The development has triggered an internal political controversy, particularly because Kumar was convicted in cases linked to the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.
The three MPs Kamaljeet Sehrawat, Ramvir Singh Bidhuri and Yogender Chandolia were summoned by Nabin and questioned over their decision to visit Kumar’s residence. Party sources said Nabin made it clear that the MPs should not have attended the condolence gathering, as the visit was viewed as inconsistent with the BJP’s longstanding position on seeking justice for victims of the 1984 violence.
Kumar, a former Congress MP, died on August 20 at the age of 80 while serving two concurrent life sentences in cases related to the killings of Sikhs during the 1984 riots. His death and the subsequent condolence events have revived political debate over accountability for the violence.
The BJP has clarified that the three MPs visited Kumar’s residence in their personal capacity and not as representatives of the party. BJP spokesperson R.P. Singh said the visit did not represent the party’s official position.
The incident also drew sharp criticism from BJP leader H.S. Phoolka, a prominent advocate who has represented victims of the 1984 riots. Phoolka condemned the MPs’ visit and argued that sympathy should be reserved for the victims and their families. He also welcomed Nabin’s decision to reprimand the lawmakers.
The controversy comes at a politically sensitive time, with the BJP preparing for the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections. The party has sought to maintain a strong position on the 1984 riots and justice for Sikh victims, making the MPs’ condolence visit particularly contentious.
Opposition parties have also seized on the episode to question the BJP’s consistency. The Aam Aadmi Party has asked whether disciplinary action will be taken against the three MPs, while the controversy continues to fuel debate within political circles.
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