Breaking: Kuldeep Sharma seeks Deepender Hooda’s removal from CWC, says Sajjan Kumar's remark could hurt Congress in Punjab
Former Haryana Speaker flags Sikh community resentment, warns of political fallout ahead of Punjab polls
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, August 23, 2026: Former Haryana Vidhan Sabha Speaker and senior Congress leader Kuldeep Sharma has sought the removal of Rohtak MP Deepender Singh Hooda as a permanent invitee to the Congress Working Committee (CWC), arguing that Hooda’s reported description of former Congress leader Sajjan Kumar as a “role model” could seriously damage the party’s prospects in Punjab.
In a letter to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge dated August 23, Sharma said the remarks had caused resentment among members of the Sikh community in Haryana and Punjab and had reopened painful memories associated with the past.
Sharma said some of his Sikh friends from Haryana and Punjab had contacted him to express their displeasure over what he described as an “irresponsible statement”. He claimed that the controversy could have political consequences for the Congress, particularly as Punjab heads towards Assembly elections.
The former Speaker also referred to the support extended by the Sikh community to the Congress after the farmers’ agitation, saying the latest controversy could lead sections of the community to reconsider their support for the party.
According to Sharma, opposition parties were already using Hooda’s remarks for political gains. He argued that the issue was particularly sensitive because of the significance of the Sikh community in Punjab, Haryana and among the Indian diaspora.
Sharma further pointed out that the Congress had already distanced itself from Sajjan Kumar and said Hooda’s reported remarks were therefore inconsistent with the party’s position.
Calling for action against Hooda, Sharma said his removal from the CWC would send a message that the Congress was serious about addressing the concerns of the Sikh community and would help demonstrate the party’s position on the issue.
He warned that the controversy could not only affect the party’s political interests in Punjab but also have repercussions among the wider Sikh diaspora.
Sharma urged Kharge to take immediate action, saying it was necessary to address the resentment generated by the remarks and protect the Congress’s political standing ahead of the Punjab elections.