Channi slams Hooda over Sajjan Kumar ‘role model’ remark

Congress MP and former Punjab chief minister Charanjit Singh Channi strongly criticised party leaders who allegedly described the late Sajjan Kumar as a 'role model'. Kumar, a former Congress MP serving two life sentences for his role in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, died on August 20. In a video statement, Channi called Kumar a 'traitor' and a 'murderer of the Sikh community', and said he should have been 'shot down' at a city square.

Separately, Rohtak Congress MP Deepender Hooda faced backlash over his remarks condoling Kumar's death and praising his 'connect with people'. Hooda denied using the phrase 'role model', saying his statement was being distorted. He expressed regret if anyone's feelings were hurt. Hindustan Times reports that senior Congress leader Kuldeep Sharma sought Hooda's removal from the Congress Working Committee. The SAD, BJP and AAP accused the Congress of an 'anti-Sikh mindset'.