Pragya Thakur hails Nathuram Godse as patriot, BJP demands apology

She also added that people calling him a terrorist should instead look within, such people will be given a befitting reply in these elections.
2008 Malegaon blast case key accused Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur. (File Photo | PTI)
2008 Malegaon blast case key accused Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur. (File Photo | PTI)

BHOPAL: The 2008 Malegaon blast accused and BJP candidate from Bhopal Lok Sabha seat Pragya Singh Thakur has courted yet another controversy, by now dubbing Mahatma Gandhi's assassin Nathuram Godse as a deshbhakt (patriot).

Thakur embarked on a road-show in Agar Malwa district on Thursday in support of BJP candidate from Dewas Lok Sabha seat Mahendra Solanki. When questioned by journalists about film actor turned politician Kamal Haasan's recently saying that Nathuram Godse was the first terrorist, Pragya Thakur said "Nathuram Godse ek deshbhakt they, hain aur rahenge (Godse was a patriot and will continue to be so in future also)."
 

She added that those dubbing Godse a terrorist should self-introspect about selves first. "This election is all about patriotism and nationalism and those making such remarks will be taught a befitting lesson by electorate."

When questioned about controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Nayak saying he won't return to India till there is change in political power in the country, Thakur said Congress has always respected terrorists and insulted patriots. 

While BJP leaders in MP distanced from Thakur's remarks on Nathuram Godse saying it was her personal remarks, Congress candidate from Bhopal seat and ex-CM Digvijaya Singh demanded that PM Modi and BJP National President Amit Shah apologise for the shocking statement.

"Nathuram Godse was a murderer and glorifying him amounts to deshdroh (sedition). PM Modi, BJP National President Amit Shah and MP BJP leadership should apologize for such remarks," said Singh.
Throughout the elections, Thakur has been in news over her controversial remarks.

She first said that she had cursed ex Mumbai ATS chief Hemant Karkare with destruction and he died taking on terrorists during 26/11 terror attack exactly 45 days after she cursed him.

Thakur had also made controversial remarks on 1992 Ayodhya demolition, claiming she was among those who climbed atop the disputed structure and brought it down to remove the blot from India.

She was subsequently booked for poll code violation in Bhopal, while EC banned her from campaigning for 72 hours over the twin controversial statements.

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