'Words being put in my mouth': Hooda denies calling Sajjan Kumar a 'role model'

Former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda has publicly denied referring to Congress leader Sajjan Kumar as a role model. The clarification follows reports suggesting Hooda had praised Kumar, who is currently serving a life sentence for his involvement in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, during a recent political event. Hooda dismissed the reports as a misrepresentation of his comments, stating that his words were taken out of context.

The controversy carries political significance due to the sensitive nature of the 1984 riots and the ongoing scrutiny surrounding the Congress party's association with figures convicted in the case. By distancing himself from the alleged endorsement, Hooda seeks to mitigate potential political fallout and avoid associations that could alienate voters or draw criticism from political opponents.