India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party is facing controversy after three of its members of Parliament visited the home of late politician Sajjan Kumar to pay their respects following his death.

Kumar, 80, a former Congress party lawmaker who was serving two life sentences for his role in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, died in custody on Aug. 20.

The visit by Lok Sabha MPs Ramvir Singh Bidhuri, Yogender Chandolia, and Kamaljeet Sehrawat drew sharp criticism from senior advocate and BJP member H.S. Phoolka. Phoolka, a long-time legal advocate for victims of the 1984 violence who joined the BJP in April, called for a boycott of the three MPs. 

Phoolka stated that sympathy should lie with the victims and their families rather than a convicted perpetrator, adding that the visit undermines the party's historic support for the victims' legal battles.

A BJP spokesperson defended the lawmakers, stating they visited Kumar's residence in a personal capacity rather than as official representatives of the party.