BJP MP Bidhuri seeks forgiveness at Akal Takht over Sajjan Kumar condolence visit
Synopsis
A sitting BJP MP stood before the Akal Takht — Sikhism's highest temporal seat — to formally seek forgiveness for condoling a convicted 1984 anti-Sikh riots accused. The episode has exposed a sharp fault line within the BJP between its national consolidation instincts and its obligations to Sikh voters, particularly in Punjab.
Key Takeaways
BJP MP Ramvir Singh Bidhuri appeared before Akal Takht Sahib in Amritsar on 3 October to seek forgiveness.
The apology relates to a condolence visit paid by three BJP MPs — Bidhuri , Kamaljeet Sehrawat , and Yogender Chandolia — to the residence of 1984 riots convict Sajjan Kumar after his death in August .
BJP chief Nitin Nabin had reprimanded all three MPs; senior leader H.
Phoolka called for their 'boycott'.
Bidhuri appeared before Jathedar Kuldeep Singh Gargaj and said he 'accepted his mistake'.
He also referenced the Jain-Aggarwal Committee's 21 recommendations from 1990 as evidence of his long-standing advocacy for 1984 riot victims .
Whether the other two MPs will appear before the Akal Takht remains unclear.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Ramvir Singh Bidhuri on Saturday, 3 October appeared before the Akal Takht Sahib at the Golden Temple premises in Amritsar and sought forgiveness for visiting the residence of Congress leader and convicted anti-Sikh riots accused Sajjan Kumar following his death in August. The appearance before the highest temporal seat of Sikh authority marks a formal act of contrition from a sitting parliamentarian.
What Led to the Controversy
Three BJP MPs — Ramvir Singh Bidhuri, Kamaljeet Sehrawat, and Yogender Chandolia — had visited Sajjan Kumar's residence in August to pay condolences after his death. The move immediately drew sharp criticism, given that Kumar had been convicted for his role in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. BJP chief Nitin Nabin expressed strong displeasure and reprimanded all three MPs. Senior advocate and BJP leader H. S. Phoolka went further, calling for the MPs' 'boycott' and stating that 'sympathy should be reserved for victims and their families — many of whom live the horror of those days even till now.'
What Bidhuri Said at the Akal Takht
Speaking after his appearance, Bidhuri said: 'Today, I appeared before the Jathedar Sahib of Sri Akal Takht Sahib Giani, Kuldeep Singh Gargaj. I had a great burden on my mind. When Sajjan Kumar passed away, we were passing by his house and stopped there for some time... news reports regarding it were also published.'
He added: 'Today, appearing before Jathedar Sahib at Sri Akal Takht Sahib, I sought forgiveness. I accepted my mistake. I have been associated with the Guru Ghar for a long time. Since the killing of innocent Sikhs in 1984, irrespective of which government has been in power, I have always demanded that the killers of innocent Sikhs be given the strictest punishment and hanged till death.'
Bidhuri also recalled raising the issue of accountability for the 1984 riots with then President VP Singh when the Janata Dal came to power in 1990, leading to the formation of the Jain-Aggarwal Committee, which made 21 recommendations. He concluded: 'Today I have experienced immense peace by seeking forgiveness at Sri Akal Takht Sahib. I have also paid obeisance at the Akal Takht Sahib and also at the Golden Temple.'
Significance of the Akal Takht Summons
The Akal Takht is the supreme temporal authority for Sikhs worldwide, and its Jathedar holds the power to summon, reprimand, or issue religious edicts (hukamnamas) to those who act against Sikh principles or community interests. An appearance before the Akal Takht carries deep religious and political weight, especially for politicians who rely on Sikh voter support. This is not the first time BJP leaders have faced Sikh community backlash over perceived insensitivity toward 1984 riot victims.
What Happens Next
It remains to be seen whether Sehrawat and Chandolia — the two other BJP MPs who visited Kumar's residence — will similarly appear before the Akal Takht. No statement from the Jathedar's office on the outcome of Bidhuri's appearance has been reported so far. The episode has re-energised debate within the BJP about its relationship with Sikh voters, particularly in Punjab, ahead of future electoral cycles.
Point of View
Leaving the party's contrition looking selective. The episode also underlines the BJP's structural dilemma in Punjab: it seeks to expand its Sikh voter base while some of its own MPs instinctively default to cross-party courtesies that the community reads as insensitivity. Invoking the Jain-Aggarwal Committee and VP Singh-era advocacy is a calculated reframing, but the Akal Takht's silence on the outcome of the appearance means the religious reckoning may not be over.
NationPress
3 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did BJP MP Ramvir Singh Bidhuri appear before the Akal Takht?
Bidhuri appeared before the Akal Takht Sahib in Amritsar on 3 October to seek forgiveness for visiting the residence of Sajjan Kumar — convicted for his role in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots — after Kumar's death in August. The condolence visit by three BJP MPs had triggered widespread criticism from within the party and the Sikh community.
Who is Sajjan Kumar and why was the condolence visit controversial?
Sajjan Kumar was a Congress leader who was convicted for his role in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, in which thousands of Sikhs were killed across India following the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Paying condolences at his home was seen as deeply offensive to Sikh victims and survivors, prompting the BJP leadership to reprimand the visiting MPs.
What is the Akal Takht and why does an appearance there matter?
The Akal Takht Sahib in Amritsar is the supreme temporal seat of authority for Sikhs worldwide. Its Jathedar can summon individuals, issue religious edicts, and grant or withhold forgiveness for acts deemed contrary to Sikh principles. An appearance before the Akal Takht carries significant religious and political weight.
Which BJP leaders criticised the condolence visit?
BJP chief Nitin Nabin expressed displeasure and reprimanded all three MPs — Bidhuri, Kamaljeet Sehrawat, and Yogender Chandolia. Senior advocate and BJP leader H. S. Phoolka publicly called for their 'boycott', stating sympathy should be reserved for the victims of the 1984 riots.
Will the other two BJP MPs also appear before the Akal Takht?
As of 3 October, only Bidhuri has appeared before the Akal Takht. There has been no announcement from Kamaljeet Sehrawat or Yogender Chandolia regarding a similar appearance, and no official statement from the Jathedar's office on the outcome of Bidhuri's visit has been reported.
