CPI(M) justifies invoking of NSA against Varun

Justifying invoking of NSA against BJP leader Varun Gandhi, CPI(M) today said that "tough message needed to be sent.... And it has been sent".

Justifying invoking of NSA against BJP leader Varun Gandhi, CPI(M) on Monday said that "tough message needed to be sent.... And it has been sent".

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"A very strong.... Tough message needed to be sent that no hate speech will be tolerated against any community and it has been sent," party Politburo member Brinda Karat told reporters here when asked whether the use of NSA against Gandhi was appropriate.

Asked whether this will lead to misuse of the provision to settle political scores, Karat said such actions are taken "as per the perception of the state government" in special situations.

"If somebody is unapologetic and repeats it again and again. It is up to the state government to decide what action to take," she said.

She rubbished arguments by Gandhi that the CD of his speech was doctored and said, "This is an excuse. It is a speech full of hatred."

Refusing to attach any significance to senior BJP leaders disassociating themselves from Varun Gandhi's comments earlier, Karat said, "It is nothing more than double speak."

"They speak in two voices, sometimes three voices... It is Hindutva alone which BJP espouses and promotes," she said.

Asked whether similar action should also be taken against Congress leader Imran Kidwai for allegedly making communal statements, Karat said, "you cannot equate both things."

She, however, said, "if there are grounds for legal case against him (Kidwai), let it (legal action) also happen."

Criticising BJP for supporting Gandhi, Karat said, "it is unfortunate that BJP endorsed his candidature and completely defended him."