Bhopal: Malegaon Verdict Sparks Saffron Vs Secular Row

Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has called the acquittal of all accused in the 2008 Malegaon blast case a befitting reply to what it calls a false narrative of ‘Bhagwa Atankwad’ (saffron terrorism). It says this narrative unfairly compared Hindus and Sanatan Dharma to Islamic terrorism.

Congress, on the other hand, has demanded that the Union Government appeal the verdict in Supreme Court, citing the need for justice for victims as in the 2006 Mumbai train blast case.

Bhopal’s former BJP MP Pragya Singh Thakur, Lieutenant Colonel Prasad Purohit and Retired Major Ramesh Upadhyay were among seven accused named by NIA in the case.

CM slams Congress

Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said the acquittal is a strong reply to Congress’s “conservative mindset” which tried to label Hindus as terrorists.“Congress should remember that a Hindu cannot be a terrorist. The verdict is an answer to those who insult Sanatan Dharma, Sadhus, and Bhagwa (saffron). Congress must apologise publicly.”

Scripted conspiracy: Uma

BJP leader Uma Bharti accused Congress leaders of inventing the ‘BhagwaAtankwad’ term.“Digvijaya Singh coined the phrase on Rahul Gandhi’s advice. It was a tool to defame Hindus globally, while innocent people were targeted to justify it,” she said.

Verdict proves Digvijaya wrong: MLA

BJP MLA Rameshwar Sharma said the court’s decision has exposed Digvijaya Singh’s alleged attempt to mislead the country.“This verdict is a befitting reply to Digvijaya Singh who coined the term saffron terrorism. It is a clear victory of truth,” he said.

‘Hindu can’t be terrorist’

BJP MLA Bagwandas Sabnani said the judgment is a reply to Rahul Gandhi and Digvijaya Singh.“They tried to set the narrative of saffron or Hindu terrorism, which is fundamentally wrong. A Hindu cannot be a terrorist.”

‘We respect court ruling’

Ex-MLA PC Sharma offered a measured response.“I respect the Mumbai High Court verdict in the Malegaon blast case.”

‘We accept court’s decision’

Congress MLA Atif Aqueel also refrained from criticism.“It is the court’s verdict and we respect it.”

‘Appeal in SC for justice’

Congress MLA Arif Masood demanded further legal steps.“The Union Government should appeal in the Supreme Court to ensure justice for Malegaon blast victims.”`