AAP protests outside BJP MP Tarun Chugh's residence over tribute to 1984 riots convict

AAP protest outside Amritsar residence of BJP MP

AMRITSAR: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) workers staged a protest outside the residence of BJP Rajya Sabha MP Tarun Chugh in Amritsar on September 1, according to ANI. The protest followed reports that BJP leaders had visited the residence of Sajjan Kumar—convicted in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots—to offer condolences. Kumar passed away on August 20.

AAP workers said they were protesting the participation of BJP MPs Ramvir Bidhuri, Yogender Chandolia and Kamaljeet Sehrawat in a tribute sabha for Kumar, as reported by The Times of India.

Party leaders question BJP's stance

AAP MLA Ajay Gupta, who led the protest, questioned the BJP's integrity and demanded a clarification on the party's stance regarding the 1984 victims. As quoted by ANI, Gupta said before the protest: "We are heading to the residence of Tarun Chugh, a BJP MP, to stage this protest. The reason for this protest is that BJP members go to the residences of individuals found guilty in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. This clearly demonstrates that the BJP engages solely in the politics of religion and vote banks. I want to ask them to clarify their stance: do they stand with the Sikhs, or with those found guilty of massacring them?"

Gupta further accused the BJP of harbouring an anti-Sikh attitude and engaging in vote-bank politics. "As the Aam Aadmi Party, we intend to expose the true face of the BJP across Punjab—a party that harbors an anti-Sikh attitude, treats Punjab unfairly, and believes in instigating riots to further its vote-bank politics. We will march to his residence and demand to know his position regarding the Sikh community—whether he stands with them or against them," he said.

AAP MLA Jeevan Jyot Kaur, who also attended the protest, said: "The 1984 massacre remains a deep and unhealed wound for Sikh families. Both the BJP and Congress have repeatedly acted against the interests of Punjab and the Sikh community. How can BJP leaders honour a person whose name remains associated with the 1984 massacre?" She added, "The participation of BJP leaders in Sajjan Kumar's tribute is deeply hurtful to the families of the victims. The families who lost their loved ones continue to carry the pain of that tragedy, and their sentiments must be respected."

Police deployment and security measures

In view of the protest, Punjab Police deployed a heavy security contingent outside Chugh's residence, with barricades in place. The Times of India reported that police stopped protesters from reaching the residence.

ADCP Harpal Singh said the police were on high alert to maintain law and order. As quoted by ANI, Singh stated: "We have deployed force here—specifically near the residence of senior BJP leader Tarun Chugh—because members of the Aam Aadmi Party have gathered to protest against the BJP's leaders reaching Sajjan Kumar's residence. To maintain law and order..." The operation was supervised by the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Law and Order), assisted by three Superintendents of Police, three Additional Deputy Commissioners of Police, four Assistant Commissioners of Police, and approximately 100 personnel, Singh added.

The protest was scheduled to begin around 10:00 or 10:30 AM, according to ANI.

Context

Sajjan Kumar was a convict in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, which followed the assassination of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. His death on August 20 has drawn attention to the continued political reactions over the riots, with AAP leaders calling for the BJP to clarify its position on the convicted perpetrators.