New Delhi: A fresh political controversy has emerged within the BJP after party president Nitin Nabin reportedly summoned three Delhi MPs over their visit to the residence of former Congress MP Sajjan Kumar following his death.
The three BJP MPs — Ramvir Singh Bidhuri, Yogendra Chandolia and Kamaljeet Sehrawat — reportedly visited Sajjan Kumar’s residence to pay their respects. According to reports, the MPs made the visit in their personal capacity and without prior consultation with the party leadership.
The move has reportedly displeased the BJP leadership, which has maintained a strong political position on the issue of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots and has frequently criticised the Congress over the role of its leaders in the matter.
Sajjan Kumar and 1984 Anti-Sikh Riots
Sajjan Kumar, a former Congress MP, had been convicted in a case related to the 1984 anti-Sikh riots and was serving a life sentence before his death in prison.
Following his death, several Congress leaders publicly expressed condolences. Their statements drew sharp reactions from BJP leaders, given the long-standing political sensitivity surrounding the 1984 riots.
BJP MPs Reportedly Questioned Over Visit
According to the reported discussion, the three BJP MPs visited Sajjan Kumar’s residence without seeking prior approval or consulting the party organisation.
The central leadership is reportedly unhappy with the decision and questioned the MPs about their visit. Party leaders are also understood to have cautioned them against taking similar steps in the future without consulting the organisation.
The episode has highlighted the political sensitivity surrounding any public gesture involving figures associated with the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.
Punjab Factor Adds Political Significance
The development has gained further political significance because Punjab remains an important electoral battleground, while the legacy of the 1984 riots continues to be a sensitive issue in the state.
The BJP has repeatedly targeted the Congress over the riots and the alleged involvement of its leaders. Against this backdrop, the visit by BJP MPs to Sajjan Kumar’s residence has triggered questions about its possible political implications.
The controversy also underlines how a personal gesture by elected representatives can become politically sensitive when it intersects with long-standing issues and the party’s broader political strategy.
Political Repercussions for BJP?
The incident could potentially create political challenges for the BJP, particularly in Punjab, where the 1984 riots remain an important part of political discourse.
However, the reported questioning of the MPs also indicates that the BJP leadership wants its representatives to remain aligned with the party’s established position on the issue.