Who Was Sajjan Kumar? From 3-Time Congress MP to 1984 Riots Convict

Sajjan Kumar’s legacy is marked by a career that spanned both power and persecution. At 80, he has passed away behind bars for crimes linked to the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. For those familiar with India’s tumultuous politics in the late 20th century, Kumar’s name was synonymous with the Congress party’s dark underbelly – its willingness to do whatever it took to maintain power, no matter how many lives were lost.

Kumar rose through the ranks of the Congress party during Indira Gandhi’s regime, exemplifying the patronage system that has long characterized Indian politics. As general secretary of the Pradesh Congress Committee and close ally of Sanjay Gandhi, Kumar was part of the inner circle that wielded significant influence over policy decisions. His election victories in 1980, 1991, and 2004 demonstrate his ability to navigate complex webs of alliances and backroom deals.

However, it is his involvement in the 1984 riots that defines Kumar’s legacy – a period of unprecedented violence against Sikhs across Delhi, resulting in thousands of deaths. His conviction on two separate counts and sentencing to life imprisonment underscores the systemic failure to bring perpetrators to justice. The fact that he was acquitted in other cases highlights the capricious nature of India’s judicial system.

Kumar’s case is not an isolated incident; it represents a broader cultural normalization of violence as a means to achieve political ends. The 1984 riots were a watershed moment in Indian history, marking a turning point where communal tensions were explicitly exploited for electoral gain. His conviction and sentencing are a belated acknowledgment of this reality.

Recent events such as the Hathras gang rape and lynching, the Delhi Riots of 2020, and the ongoing farmers’ protests against the farm laws demonstrate a disturbing disregard for human life by those in power. The impunity enjoyed by perpetrators across these incidents is a stark reminder that little has changed since Kumar’s time.

As India continues to grapple with its past and present demons, Sajjan Kumar’s passing serves as a poignant reminder of the need for accountability and justice. His case underscores the importance of holding powerful individuals accountable for their actions, no matter how long it takes or what the personal cost may be.