I apologise to the Sikh community: Jagdish Tytler

Speaking exclusively to NDTV, Jagdish Tytler has said what happened in 1984 was a shameless act and apologised to the Sikh community.

"I will apologise as it happened in our times," he said, adding: 

"I apologise to the whole Sikh community for what happened. Whatever happened was a shameless act. The administration, the governor, should have controlled but they did not. I had actually abused the governor as he was enjoying his drink while the carnage was on."

Earlier in the day, Jagdish Tytler and Sajjan Kumar were booted out as poll candidates by the Congress party after massive protests by members of the Sikh community, who insist that Tytler played a prominent role in the 1984 riots. After dillydallying, the Congress realised it was probably paying too a heavy price by allowing them to contest elections.

"My heart says a lot of embarrassment has been caused to the party. I don't think I should fight," said Tytler.

"I am a Congress worker. Whatever the High Command says, I will comply with it," said Sajjan Kumar.

This was a decision the party came to after much deliberation. They still hold their men innocent, but understand the cost of their candidature was getting out of hand.

Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit says: "Passions are being stoked. This will definitely have an impact."

Both Kumar and Tytler were indicted by the Nanawati Commission that investigated the 1984 Sikh riots.

For now, the Congress now faces the tough task of replacing candidates that  would have almost certainly have given them two Lok Sabha seats.

But at least for now, the party can hope that what began with a shoe will not end up with the Congress getting the boot.