Raj Kumar Verka Targets BJP Over Sajjan Kumar Tribute, Calls Him “Enemy of Punjabis”

Amritsar, August 30, 2026: Punjab Congress working president Raj Kumar Verka has launched a sharp attack on the BJP over the participation of three BJP MPs in a tribute meeting held following the death of former Congress leader Sajjan Kumar, who was convicted in cases related to the 1984 anti-Sikh violence.

Verka described Kumar as an “enemy of the Punjabis” and said the Punjab Congress maintains a clear position against individuals held responsible for the violence.

Verka Questions BJP’s Stand

Verka questioned the BJP over what he described as a contradiction between the party's public position on Sajjan Kumar and the reported attendance of three BJP MPs at a prayer meeting in his memory.

According to Verka, the BJP needs to explain why its leaders participated in the tribute event despite the party's opposition to Kumar's legacy.

His remarks come amid a wider political controversy over the response of political leaders to Kumar's death.

1984 Violence Remains a Sensitive Issue

Sajjan Kumar, who died at the age of 84 on August 20, had been convicted in cases connected with the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.

The Delhi High Court overturned his acquittal in the Raj Nagar case in 2018 and sentenced him to life imprisonment. In February 2025, a Delhi court also awarded him another life sentence in the Saraswati Vihar murder case involving the deaths of Jaswant Singh and his son Tarundeep Singh during the 1984 violence.

Congress Leaders Distance Themselves From Praise

The controversy follows comments by Congress MP Deepender Singh Hooda, who had described Kumar in highly favourable terms after his death.

Punjab Congress leaders, including Verka and Amritsar MP Gurjeet Singh Aujla, subsequently distanced themselves from those remarks and reiterated their support for victims of the 1984 violence.

Verka has maintained that the concerns and suffering of victims should remain the priority.

BJP MPs’ Tribute Visit Sparks Fresh Row

The participation of three BJP MPs in the tribute meeting has now added another dimension to the controversy.

The issue has already triggered criticism from within Punjab's political circles, with questions being raised about whether the MPs' participation represented their personal views or reflected any broader party position.

Political Battle Intensifies

The remarks are expected to further intensify the political debate between the Congress and BJP over the legacy of the 1984 violence.

For Punjab Congress, the issue is particularly sensitive because the violence continues to have a strong emotional and political impact in the state.

The BJP, meanwhile, faces questions over the actions of individual leaders following the reported tribute meeting.

Key Highlights
Raj Kumar Verka criticised the BJP over a tribute meeting for Sajjan Kumar.
Verka called Kumar an “enemy of Punjabis.”
He questioned the reported participation of three BJP MPs.
Punjab Congress reiterated its support for victims of the 1984 violence.
Sajjan Kumar died on August 20 at the age of 84.
Kumar had been serving life sentences in cases connected with the 1984 violence.
Conclusion

Raj Kumar Verka's latest remarks have reignited the political debate surrounding Sajjan Kumar's legacy and the 1984 anti-Sikh violence. His criticism of the BJP comes at a time when political parties in Punjab continue to face intense scrutiny over their positions on the issue.

NewsDesk7.com will continue to bring you the latest updates on Punjab politics and developments related to the 1984 violence.