BJP MP Apologizes to Akal Takht for Sajjan Kumar Visit
Key Points
- Letter dated September 5 cites political pressure and regrets the visit
- Jathedar Gargajj accepts apology, urges Congress leaders to seek forgiveness
- BJP leadership summons three MPs, expresses displeasure over condolence visit
Editorial Deep Dive & Context
South Delhi Member of Parliament Ramvir Singh Bidhuri has issued a formal apology to the Sri Akal Takht Sahib for visiting the residence of former Congress leader Sajjan Kumar following Kumar's death on August 20. Kumar, who died at age 80 while serving life sentences in Tihar Jail for his role in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, prompted condolences from several politicians. Bidhuri submitted a written letter dated September 5 to acting Jathedar Kuldeep Singh Gargajj, describing the visit as a mistake made at the request of fellow MPs. During an in-person meeting at the secretariat, Bidhuri reiterated his lifelong opposition to Kumar, citing his 1993 delegation to the President seeking punishment for Kumar and HKL Bhagat, and his 1996 demand for Kumar's imprisonment. Acting Jathedar Gargajj accepted the apology as a positive step but urged other political leaders, particularly from the Congress party, to follow suit and seek forgiveness from the Sikh community. The incident triggered internal BJP discipline, with National President Nitin Nabin summoning Bidhuri and two other MPs, Yogender Chandolia and Kamaljeet Sehrawat, expressing displeasure over their attendance at the condolence event
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BJP MP Apologizes to Akal Takht for Sajjan Kumar Visit
South Delhi MP Ramvir Singh Bidhuri formally apologized to the Akal Takht for visiting convicted 1984 rioter Sajjan Kumar, citing political pressure and regretting the lapse