BJP national president Nitin Nabin has reprimanded three Delhi MPs after they attended the condolence ceremony of former Congress leader Sajjan Kumar, a move that has sparked controversy within political circles.
South Delhi MP Ramvir Singh Bidhuri, North West Delhi MP Yogender Chandolia and West Delhi MP Kamaljeet Sehrawat were summoned by Nabin on Friday and reportedly asked to explain their decision to visit Kumar’s residence and offer condolences.
MPs asked to explain visit
Sources within the BJP said Nabin told the three MPs that they should not have visited Sajjan Kumar’s residence in Peeragarhi, Delhi. The MPs have reportedly been asked to submit an explanation for their conduct.
The development comes months ahead of the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections, with the BJP seeking to strengthen its position among Sikh voters in the state.
Sajjan Kumar’s controversial legacy
Sajjan Kumar, a former Congress MP, was convicted in connection with the 1984 anti-Sikh riots and sentenced to life imprisonment. His conviction has made him a deeply controversial figure, particularly among Sikh communities and families of riot victims.
The MPs’ visit drew sharp criticism from senior BJP leader HS Phoolka, who has represented families of 1984 riot victims in their long legal battle for justice.
Phoolka condemned the visit and said it was inappropriate for BJP leaders to offer condolences to Kumar, arguing that the party had consistently supported the victims’ pursuit of justice.
He also called for a boycott of the three MPs.
BJP distances party from visit
BJP national spokesperson RP Singh said the MPs had visited Kumar’s residence in their personal capacity and were not representing the party during the visit.
The three MPs represent constituencies that were carved out of the former Outer Delhi Lok Sabha seat, which Sajjan Kumar represented during his political career. All three MPs also belong to the same community that Kumar represented.
Political backlash
The controversy has also drawn criticism from opposition leaders. Several Congress leaders questioned recent statements praising Kumar, while Delhi AAP leader Saurabh Bhardwaj accused the BJP MPs of continuing to sympathise with the former Congress leader.
The episode has put the BJP’s handling of the Sajjan Kumar issue under renewed scrutiny, particularly as the party seeks to consolidate its political position in Punjab ahead of the 2027 Assembly polls.
