PM Narendra Modi Defends Fielding Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur, Says It's ‘A Befitting Reply to Those Who Link Culture to Terrorism’

New Delhi, April 20: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that fielding of Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur, an accused in 2008 Malegaon blast case, as a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate from Bhopal parliamentary seat is a "Symbol" for those who falsely label the rich Hindu civilization as "terrorist." Sadhvi Pragya will give a tough fight to Congress there, he said. Sadhvi Pragya Thakur Apologises, Calls 26/11 Mumbai Attacks Hero Hemant Karkare a ‘Martyr’.

“The decision (to field Thakur) is a befitting reply to individuals who linked a whole religion and culture to terror,” PM Narendra Modi said in an interview to Times Now while taking a jibe at the Congress over saffron terror remarks. Sadhvi Pragya Thakur In Trouble Over Remarks Against 26/11 Martyr Hemant Karkare? MP CEO Received Complaint Against BJP Bhopal Candidate.

Defending Sadhvi Pragya, PM Modi asked why no questions are being asked when Indian National Congress president Rahul Gandhi and UPA chairperson and his mother Sonia Gandhi are contesting from Amethi and Rae Bareli seats, respectively despite being out on "bail"

"Samjhauta Express verdict came. What came out? Without any evidence, a rich civilization as old as 5000 years, which gave the message of 'the whole world is one'... You called such a civilization terrorist? To give a reply to all such people, this (fielding of Pragya Thakur) is a symbol and this symbol will cost the Congress dearly," the prime minister added.

On Friday, Sadhvi Pragya sparked controversy by insulting 26/11 martyr Hemant Karkare. She said that Karkare treated her badly and died of his "Karma." "Hemant Karkare falsely implicated me [in Malegaon blasts] and treated me very badly. I told him your entire dynasty will be erased. He died of his karma," Sadhvi Pragya said.

After the criticism from the opposition, BJP issued a statement and said the party considers Karkare a martyr and Sadhvi Pragya's views are personal. The Bhopal BJP candidate also released a statement and said that the comments was her "personal pain" and Karkare is certainly a martyr.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 20, 2019 10:35 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).