More voices are emerging from within the ruling BJP-led NDA camp against the party’s decision to field Pragya Singh Thakur, prime accused in the 2008 Malegaon terror blasts, from Bhopal parliamentary constituency in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. The latest to join the chorus of dissent within the NDA against Pragya Singh Thakur candidature is Union minister Ramdas Athawale, chief of BJP ally Republican Party of India (A).
The NDA leaders seem to be especially upset over Pragya’s controversial remarks made recently that it was her “curse” that resulted in the killing of Mumbai Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) chief and IPS officer Hemant Karkare at the hands of Pakistani terrorists during the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. She also accused Karkare of torturing her following her arrest in connection with the Malegaon blasts.
Taking a strong exception to Pragya’s remarks “insulting a martyr”, Athawale also questioned BJP’s decision to field Pragya in the Lok Sabha elections. “The BJP should not have given ticket to Pragya Thakur,” he said.
Earlier, KC Tyagi, secretary general of another BJP ally Janata Dal-United, had also voiced his objection to Pragya ‘s comments during her election campaign meetings.
“Selecting a candidate is every party’s prerogative and we are not questioning that… However, I strongly condemn whatever she said about Hemant Karkare. Karkare was a martyr, killed by Pakistani terrorists, and to use derogatory language against him is disrespecting a true soldier,” Tyagi said.
Tyagi asked Pragya as to why she did not talk about the “good work” done by Prime Minister Narendra Modi instead of Hindu, Muslim and Ram Mandir, which, he added was not the NDA’s agenda.
Pragya is pitted against the outspoken Congress heavyweight and ex-chief minister, Digvijay Singh in what is expected to be a fierce contest.
The BJP has not lost the Bhopal seat since 1989.