Sikh Protesters Burn Rahul Gandhi Effigy Over Sajjan Kumar Remark

Over 200 Sikh community representatives, including families of victims of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, gathered near Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s residence on Saturday afternoon, burning an effigy of him and beating it with slippers to protest alleged remarks describing former Congress MP Sajjan Kumar as a “party role model” (The Hindu). The demonstration occurred two days after Sajjan Kumar, convicted in connection with the 1984 riots, died on August 20, 2026. Protesters expressed outrage over what they termed a glorification of Kumar, who was sentenced in 2018 for his role in the violence that followed Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s assassination.

The protest, held in the afternoon near Gandhi’s Delhi residence, drew participants from across the Sikh community, many of whom carried placards condemning the alleged remarks and demanding accountability for the 1984 riots (The Hindu). Footage shared by attendees showed the effigy being set ablaze amid chants criticizing the Congress party’s perceived stance on the issue. While the exact origin of the “role model” comment remains unverified, organizers claimed it was attributed to Congress functionaries in recent statements, sparking widespread condemnation on social media and among community leaders.

Sajjan Kumar, a former member of Parliament, was convicted by a special court in December 2018 for conspiring to murder Sikhs during the 1984 riots, which killed nearly 3,000 people in Delhi alone (The Hindu). He resigned from the Congress party in 2018 ahead of his conviction but remained a polarizing figure for survivors and families of victims. His death this week reignited debates over justice for riot victims, with many questioning delays in prosecuting cases linked to the violence.

The protest underscores lingering tensions over the Congress party’s historical handling of the 1984 riots, a sensitive chapter in Indian politics. While the party has distanced itself from individuals convicted in the case, critics argue that its leadership has not adequately addressed demands for a formal apology or reparations. Rahul Gandhi, who has faced scrutiny over his party’s legacy on the issue, has not publicly commented on the allegations referenced by protesters.

As of Sunday, there is no confirmation on whether the Congress party plans to address the protesters’ demands or clarify the context of the remarks attributed to its members. The event also raises questions about how political parties navigate historical grievances amid ongoing efforts by Sikh groups to seek closure for victims of the 1984 violence.