BJP MLA Calls for Apology from Rahul Gandhi Following Sajjan Kumar’s Conviction in 1984 Anti-Sikh Riots
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Synopsis
BJP MLA Manjinder Singh Sirsa has urged Rahul Gandhi to expel Sajjan Kumar from Congress after his conviction related to the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. Sirsa calls for Gandhi to apologize to the Sikh community and demonstrate a commitment to justice.
Key Takeaways
- Manjinder Singh Sirsa demands action from Rahul Gandhi.
- Call for a public apology to the Sikh community.
- Referencing the long fight for justice.
- Conviction of Sajjan Kumar confirmed by the court.
- Upcoming sentencing discussions scheduled.
New Delhi, Feb 14 (NationPress) Newly-elected BJP MLA Manjinder Singh Sirsa from Delhi has reached out to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, urging him to expel his party colleague Sajjan Kumar following the latter's conviction in the third case linked to the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.
Sirsa demanded that the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, demonstrate his commitment to justice and communal harmony by offering “a public apology to the Sikh community and the entire nation for the Congress' role in harboring and empowering individuals like Sajjan Kumar.
The BJP representative from Rajouri Garden emphasized that as LoP, Rahul Gandhi should initiate a resolution in Parliament to express gratitude to the government for creating the Special Investigation Team (SIT) and ensuring that those responsible for the 1984 riots face justice.
Referring to the 1984 genocide as one of the most tragic and humiliating episodes in India's history, Sirsa stated, “For nearly four decades, victims and their families have relentlessly pursued justice against those who orchestrated, enabled, and protected the massacre of innocent Sikhs. With the court affirming his (Sajjan Kumar’s) guilt for the third time, the responsibility now lies with you to act with moral integrity and political accountability.
Sirsa reminded LoP Gandhi of his visit to Sri Darbar Sahib (Golden Temple), donning a headscarf in an attempt to present himself as an ally of the Sikh community, noting that despite Sajjan Kumar's conviction, no formal condemnation has been issued by the party's leadership.
“Sajjan Kumar was not merely a Congress member; he was protected, promoted, and shielded by your party for decades,” he stated.
BJP’s Sikh leader emphasized, “Justice delayed is justice denied. The Sikh community and the nation have not forgotten nor forgiven. This transcends legalities - it is a moral challenge for your leadership. Will you prioritize justice over political convenience? Or will you persist in the path of denial and evasion that Congress has trodden for years?”
A Delhi court on February 12 convicted Sajjan Kumar in connection with the murders of a father-son pair in the Saraswati Vihar locality on November 1, 1984, during the riots.
Special Judge Kaveri Baweja delivered the conviction ruling and scheduled discussions regarding the sentencing for February 18.
This case pertains to the deaths of Jaswant Singh and his son Tarundeep Singh in Saraswati Vihar during the riots.
Earlier, on January 31, the Rouse Avenue Court reserved its judgment after reviewing additional arguments presented by Public Prosecutor Manish Rawat.
Conversely, Advocate Anil Sharma contended that Sajjan Kumar's name was absent from the outset, and there had been a 16-year delay in identifying him as a suspect by the witness.
It was also noted that a case in which Sajjan Kumar was convicted by the Delhi High Court is currently under appeal before the Supreme Court.
