The BJP has been receiving criticism from all directions for fielding the 2008 Malegaon blast accused Pragya Singh Thakur as a candidate, who will be contesting from Bhopal against Congress’ Digvijaya Singh. Responding to this controversy, in an interview that was broadcast on Friday, 19 April, Prime Minister Narendra Modi defended giving a ticket to Pragya Singh Thakur.
“A civilisation, a tradition that has promoted the idea of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' (the world is one family) for the last 5,000 years was branded as terrorists by some. Sadhvi Pragya's candidature from Bhopal is a symbol to answer all those who did this and this symbol will prove costly to the Congress,” Modi said in the interview to Times Now.
The shocking statement drew disappointment and flak from Twitterati.
Activist Kavita Krishnan said Modi has “personally endorsed the choice of terror accused Pragya as candidate.”
“Hindutva terror is good, is what India's PM is saying,” she added.
AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi said this symbol “is a threat to the Constitution” and to its values.
“It has weakened our fight against terror, has demeaned our serving officers and their families’ sacrifices,” said Owaisi.
Journalist Rana Ayyub also condemned PM’s remarks.
Journalist Rifat Jawaid said the comment proves that Modi is “the most undeserving man to ever occupy the PM’s chair in India”.
“My belief in Indian democracy will shatter forever if this man is back as PM despite his support for a terror-accused,” he added.
One Twitter user called it ‘heinous’.
Another Twitter user said Modi is “openly asking for vote in the name of Hindutva terrorism”.
Economist Rupa Subramanya said Modi’s “mask is truly off now.”
By openly endorsing a terror accused, Prime Minister Narendra has said he will not tolerate anyone who dare to accuse Hindus of being terrorists. He has also made his priority clear. It is Hindutva all the way.
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