Varun Gandhi refutes magazine claim on hate speech

BJP leader Varun Gandhi on Wednesday rejected a sting operation by Tehelka magazine and Headlines Today claiming that he 'subverted the judicial process' to have his name cleared in a hate speech case at a pre-poll rally in UP in 2009. HT reports.

BJP general secretary Varun Gandhi on Wednesday rejected a sting operation by Tehelka magazine and Headlines Today claiming that he "subverted the judicial process" to have his name cleared in a hate speech case at a pre-election rally in UP in 2009.

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Even as Gandhi was acquitted by a court, the sting operation claimed he indeed made the hate speech by showing videos of some of the 88 witnesses who had turned hostile saying on tape they had given false testimonies.

The sting also claimed Gandhi caused the defeat of a BJP candidate and helped Samajwadi Party leader Riyaz Ahmad score a victory.

Varun Gandhi accused Tehelka of having an anti-BJP bias, adding the sting was a diversionary tactic to draw attention away from real issues.

"It is clear that vested interests aren't happy with the verdict," Gandhi said.

Defending Gandhi, BJP leader Shaina NC said: "If people are questioning a court verdict, why can't we question the authenticity of a sting operation conducted by Tehelka."