EC notice to Pragya over ‘cursed Karkare’ remark

Bhopal, April 20

The Election Commission today issued a show-cause notice to Malegaon blast accused and BJP candidate from Bhopal Pragya Singh Thakur over her remark about Hemant Karkare, the Maharashtra ATS chief who was killed in the 26/11 terror attack, an official said here.

Addressing BJP workers here on Thursday night, Thakur had claimed that Karkare died during the attack as she had “cursed” him for torturing her when he probed the blast case as chief of the Anti-Terrorism Squad. However, after her remarks kicked up a row, she tendered an apology on Friday.

“We took suo motu cognisance of the statement and sought a report from the assistant returning officer (ARO) on the matter. We got the report this morning and we have issued notice, which is returnable within 24 hours, to the organiser of the programme and the person who made the statement,” District Election Officer and Bhopal Collector Sudam Khade said. “We have also sent ARO report’s copy to the EC,” he said.

Asked about the point of serving the notice to her as she has already tendered apology, Khade said, “Let the reply come, then we will decide.”

The organiser of the Thursday’s event had been given permission on certain conditions as the model code of conduct was in force, he said. One of the conditions was that “objectionable language to defame anyone” will not be used, he said. Out on bail, Thakur (48) is facing trial under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act in the blast case.

The BJP on Wednesday fielded her from the Bhopal seat, where she is set to have a direct contest with Congress heavyweight and former MP CM Digvijay Singh. Her statement against Karkare raised a political storm with the Opposition demanding an apology from the PM. — PTI

BJP would have fielded Godse too: Cong

• The Maharashtra Congress on Saturday lashed out at BJP for giving a ticket to Malegaon blast accused Pragya Singh Thakur and claimed if Nathuram Godse, Mahatma Gandhi’s assassin was alive, the ruling party would have fielded him as well
• Maharashtra Congress spokesman Sachin Sawant said: “The BJP is shamelessly supporting the candidature of a person who is accused of terrorism and anti-national activities”
• He hit out at the BJP for not removing Thakur despite the furore following her comments against Hemant Karkare, adding that it showed the BJP “supported” terrorism