The execution of Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorist Afzal Guru evoked mixed reaction from various political parties.
The Congress defended the Centre’s decision and the BJP has welcomed it saying that though it was late it was welcome. The CPI suspected a political motive behind the sudden execution of death penalty to Afzal Guru.
Information and broadcasting Minister Manish Tewari said that Afzal Guru’s hanging was in accordance with the judicial system and not for any electoral or political considerations. Tewari, who came here on Saturday on a two-day visit, addressed the media.
Meanwhile, BJP welcomed the execution, saying it was a “much- awaited and much-wanted decision”. But party leaders alleged that the Congress-led UPA at the Centre implemented the verdict of the court with an eye on votes of a section of voters. “This action is delayed. But undoubtedly it is a welcome one. The BJP has always been pressing for strong and prompt action against perpetrators of terror,’’ state BJP president G Kishan Reddy said.
Welcoming the decision of the government in executing Parliament attack accused Afzal Guru, BJP senior leader Ch Vidyasagar Rao said that it should have happened much earlier. Speaking to scribes in Karimnagar on Saturday, the former Union minister said that the UPA government should not use the execution to appease a section of people in the run-up to 2014 polls.