New Delhi, August 30, 2026: A condolence visit by three BJP MPs to the residence of former Congress leader Sajjan Kumar has triggered an internal controversy within the BJP, with party president Nitin Nabin summoning the lawmakers and expressing strong displeasure over their decision.
New Delhi, August 30, 2026: A condolence visit by three BJP MPs to the residence of former Congress leader Sajjan Kumar has triggered an internal controversy within the BJP, with party president Nitin Nabin summoning the lawmakers and expressing strong displeasure over their decision.
The three MPs — Kamaljeet Sehrawat, Ramvir Singh Bidhuri and Yogender Chandolia — had visited Kumar's residence following his death to meet his family and offer condolences. Party sources said Nabin told them that they should not have made the visit and sought explanations for their conduct.
Who Are the Three BJP MPs?
The MPs involved are:
Ramvir Singh Bidhuri — South Delhi Kamaljeet Sehrawat — West Delhi Yogender Chandolia — North West Delhi
All three represent Delhi constituencies with significant Sikh and rural-origin populations, making the issue particularly sensitive in the context of the political legacy of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.
Why Did the Visit Trigger Controversy?
Sajjan Kumar, a former Congress MP, died on August 20, 2026, while serving life sentences in connection with cases arising from the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. He had been convicted in cases involving the killing of Sikhs during the violence that followed the assassination of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
The BJP has historically supported the pursuit of justice for victims of the 1984 violence. Against this backdrop, the decision by three BJP MPs to visit Kumar's family and offer condolences was viewed by party leadership as politically and emotionally sensitive.
Nitin Nabin Summons the MPs
According to BJP sources, Nitin Nabin summoned the three MPs and conveyed his displeasure.
The party leadership reportedly made it clear that the MPs should not have gone to Kumar's residence. The three lawmakers have also reportedly been asked to explain their conduct.
The development comes as the BJP seeks to maintain a consistent position on the 1984 riots and the concerns of victims' families.
BJP Says Visit Was Personal
The BJP has clarified that the three MPs visited Kumar's residence in their personal capacity and were not representing the party.
BJP spokesperson R.P. Singh said the visit was not made on behalf of the organisation.
However, the subsequent action by the party president indicates that the leadership considered the visit serious enough to warrant an explanation.
H.S. Phoolka Criticises the MPs
The visit also drew sharp criticism from BJP leader and prominent lawyer H.S. Phoolka, who has long been associated with the legal fight for victims of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.
Phoolka condemned the MPs' visit and argued that sympathy should be reserved for the victims and their families. He also called for a boycott of the three MPs.
Punjab BJP Also Condemns the Visit
The controversy has particular significance in Punjab, where memories of the 1984 violence remain deeply sensitive.
Punjab BJP president Kewal Singh Dhillon described the MPs' visit as “painful and unfortunate” and said the Punjab BJP had nothing to do with it.
Dhillon said showing sympathy towards Kumar was hurtful to families who lost relatives during the 1984 violence.
Political Significance Ahead of 2027 Punjab Elections
The controversy comes at a politically important time, with the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections approaching.
Issues surrounding the 1984 anti-Sikh riots continue to carry significant political weight in Punjab. The BJP's response to the MPs' visit is therefore being closely watched, particularly as the party works to expand its political footprint in the state.
The incident also highlights the sensitivity surrounding public gestures towards individuals associated with the 1984 violence.
Sajjan Kumar's Legal Legacy
Sajjan Kumar was serving two concurrent life sentences in cases connected with the 1984 anti-Sikh riots when he died.
His death and the subsequent condolence visits have once again brought the cases, victims and long-running demand for justice into the political spotlight.
Key Highlights Three Delhi BJP MPs visited Sajjan Kumar's family after his death. The MPs were Kamaljeet Sehrawat, Ramvir Singh Bidhuri and Yogender Chandolia. BJP president Nitin Nabin summoned and reprimanded them. The party reportedly sought explanations from the MPs. BJP said the visit was made in their personal capacity. H.S. Phoolka strongly criticised the visit. Punjab BJP president Kewal Singh Dhillon also condemned the move. Sajjan Kumar died on August 20 while serving life sentences related to the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. Conclusion
The controversy over the Sajjan Kumar condolence visit has placed three Delhi BJP MPs under the spotlight and prompted a strong response from party president Nitin Nabin.
The BJP's decision to publicly distance itself from the visit underscores the political sensitivity surrounding the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, particularly in Punjab.
With the 2027 Assembly elections approaching, the episode is likely to remain a significant talking point in Punjab's political discourse.
NewsDesk7.com will continue to bring you verified updates on Punjab politics and developments related to the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.
