A political controversy has emerged within the Congress party following remarks made by Deepender Singh Hooda regarding Sajjan Kumar, a former leader convicted for his role in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. Hooda publicly described Kumar as a prominent political figure and praised his connection with the public as "exemplary."

These comments drew immediate backlash from Punjab Congress leaders, who distanced themselves from the characterization. The critics argue that praising a man convicted for his involvement in the 1984 violence is insensitive and politically damaging, particularly in Punjab, where the legacy of the riots remains a sensitive and painful issue. The disagreement highlights a persistent internal divide within the party regarding how to address historical figures associated with the 1984 violence.

While Hooda’s comments were framed as an assessment of political outreach and grassroots connection, the backlash from the Punjab unit emphasizes the moral weight of the 1984 convictions. The incident has forced a public conversation about the party's stance on figures linked to the riots, with Punjab leaders signaling that they will not tolerate the glorification of those found guilty by the courts.