AAP Protest in Amritsar: Party Workers Demonstrate Outside Tarun Chugh’s Residence Over Sajjan Kumar Visit Row

Amritsar, September 1, 2026: The political controversy over visits by BJP leaders to the residence of late Sajjan Kumar, who was serving a life sentence in connection with the 1984 anti-Sikh riots cases, intensified in Punjab on Tuesday as Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) workers staged a protest outside the Amritsar residence of BJP Rajya Sabha MP Tarun Chugh.

The protest followed reports that three BJP Lok Sabha MPs from Delhi—Ramvir Singh Bidhuri, Yogender Chandolia and Kamaljeet Sehrawat—had visited Kumar's residence to offer condolences after his death on August 20. The visits have triggered criticism within and outside the BJP.

AAP Questions BJP's Stand on 1984 Violence

Leading the protest, AAP MLA Dr Ajay Gupta questioned the BJP's position on the 1984 anti-Sikh violence and demanded that the party clarify where it stands in relation to the victims and their families.

AAP leaders alleged that visiting Kumar's residence amounted to showing sympathy towards a person convicted in cases linked to the 1984 violence. The party demanded accountability from the BJP over the conduct of its leaders.

BJP Leadership Already Reprimanded Three MPs

The controversy has also created unease within the BJP.

BJP national president Nitin Nabin reportedly summoned and reprimanded the three Delhi MPs, making it clear that they should not have visited Sajjan Kumar's residence.

The development has become particularly sensitive in Punjab, where the 1984 anti-Sikh violence remains a deeply emotional and politically significant issue.

Heavy Police Deployment in Amritsar

Punjab Police deployed a substantial security contingent around Tarun Chugh's residence in Amritsar to prevent the protest from escalating.

According to ADCP Harpal Singh, the deployment included senior police officers and around 100 personnel. Police said their priority was to maintain law and order and prevent anyone from taking the law into their own hands.

Political Row Intensifies in Punjab

The latest protest adds another layer to the growing political confrontation between the AAP and BJP in Punjab.

The Sajjan Kumar controversy has already drawn criticism from several quarters, including Sikh organisations and BJP figures. The Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) has also demanded disciplinary action against the three BJP MPs over their visit.

For the AAP, the issue has become an opportunity to question the BJP's position on justice for victims of the 1984 violence. For the BJP, the controversy has prompted its leadership to distance the party from the MPs' decision to visit Kumar's family.

What Happens Next?

The political dispute is likely to remain a major talking point in Punjab, particularly as parties prepare for the state's next electoral battle.

With the BJP leadership already taking action against the three MPs and the AAP escalating its protests, the controversy could further sharpen the political debate over the legacy of the 1984 violence and accountability for those convicted in related cases.

Key Highlights
AAP workers protested outside Tarun Chugh's residence in Amritsar.
The protest was linked to BJP leaders visiting Sajjan Kumar's residence after his death.
Three Delhi BJP MPs had visited Kumar's home to offer condolences.
BJP president Nitin Nabin reprimanded the three MPs over the visit.
AAP demanded clarity from the BJP over its position on the 1984 violence.
Heavy police deployment was made around Chugh's residence to maintain law and order.