Death penalty belongs to medieval ages, says Oppn V-P nominee Gopalkrishna Gandhi

Opposition parties’ vice presidential candidate Gopalkrishna Gandhi responds to Shiv Sena’s allegation that he had opposed 1993 Mumbai blasts convict Yakub Memon’s death sentence.

Gopalkrishna Gandhi, who filed his nomination on Tuesday as the vice presidential candidate of 18 opposition parties, said he believes death penalty belongs to the medieval ages and it’s wrong.

Opposition's joint vice-presidential candidate Gopalkrishna Gandhi on his arrival to file his nomination in Parliament in New Delhi on Tuesday. (PTI)

Gandhi’s statement came amid allegations by Shiv Sena that he had opposed 1993 Mumbai blasts convict Yakub Memon’s death sentence.

Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut had said on Monday: “Even after the plotters of the Mumbai 1993 blasts were given capital punishment, some people tried their best to get the death sentence commuted and show leniency. Gopalkrishna Gandhi was one of them. I think the Congress party is insulting the country by nominating such a person to a constitutional post.”

But the former West Bengal governor cleared his stand on Tuesday, saying: “I believe death penalty belongs to the medieval ages. It’s wrong. My views inspired by Mahatma Gandhi and Dr Ambedkakar.”

Gandhi said such an allegation was expected from the Shiv Sena.

He said he is an ordinary citizen, and not associated with any party.

“My views are my own. I am not here to oppose any person or party, here with all humility to place before electors, the aspirations of citizens.”

The former West Bengal governor said there is a people’s faith in politics has diminished and collapsed. “I would like to see a revival of that,” he said.