Amritsar: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) workers staged a protest outside the residence of BJP Rajya Sabha MP Tarun Chugh in Amritsar on Tuesday, targeting the BJP over three of its Delhi MPs visiting the residence of former Congress leader Sajjan Kumar after his death.The BJP MPs — Ramvir Singh Bidhuri, Kamaljeet Sehrawat and Yogender Chandolia — had visited Kumar's residence to offer condolences to his family. Kumar, a former Congress leader, died on August 20 while serving a life sentence in connection with the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.The visits have triggered political criticism because of Kumar's conviction and his association with the 1984 violence.

AAP questions BJP's position

AAP MLA Ajay Gupta, who led the Amritsar protest, questioned the BJP's position on the 1984 anti-Sikh riots and demanded that the party clarify whether it stood with the victims or with those convicted in cases related to the violence.AAP has also demanded disciplinary action against the three BJP MPs. The controversy has now extended beyond Delhi, with the party using the issue to target the BJP in Punjab.

BJP leadership had already expressed displeasure

The BJP has itself distanced its leadership from the MPs' decision.BJP president Nitin Nabin expressed displeasure over the three MPs visiting Kumar's residence, according to reports. The MPs were subsequently reprimanded over the decision.Punjab BJP president Kewal Singh Dhillon also described the visit as “painful and unfortunate”, adding to the criticism within the party and from Sikh organisations.The Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee has separately condemned the visits and called for strict disciplinary action against the three MPs.

Police deploy around 100 personnel

Punjab Police deployed a substantial security contingent outside Chugh's residence as AAP workers gathered for the demonstration.ADCP Harpal Singh said around 100 police personnel were deployed, with the operation supervised by senior officers including the DCP (Law and Order), three SPs, three ADCPs and four ACPs.Police said their priority was to maintain law and order and warned that action would be taken if the situation deteriorated.

Sajjan Kumar's death has triggered fresh political row

Sajjan Kumar died on August 20 while serving a life sentence after being convicted in a 1984 anti-Sikh riots case. His death was followed by condolence messages and visits from political leaders, triggering criticism from rival parties and Sikh organisations.The controversy has involved both the BJP and Congress, with political parties questioning how leaders should respond to Kumar's legacy and conviction.The latest protest in Amritsar adds a Punjab dimension to the dispute, with AAP seeking to put the BJP on the defensive over the actions of its three MPs.