Probe Digvijaya’s remarks: BJP, Sena

The BJP and the Shiv Sena on Saturday sharply criticised Congress leader Digvijaya Singh for his comments on 26/11 and demanded a probe into the matter.

The BJP and the Shiv Sena on Saturday sharply criticised Congress leader Digvijaya Singh for his comments on 26/11 and demanded a probe into the matter. The BJP said Singh’s “irresponsible” statement was a “serious blow” to India’s fight against terror and an attempt to divert attention from scams facing the UPA government.

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“Why did Singh keep silent for two years? And with Mrs Karkare disapproving such a statement, he should find better ways to gain publicity and not make statements which harm national security,” BJP chief spokesperson Ravi Shankar Prasad said.

He also demanded a clarification from PM Manmohan Singh and Congress president Sonia Gandhi. “The country’s security, fight against terror and investigations into 26/11 have suffered a serious blow due to such comments. Terrorists from across the border will question the attacks, and their patrons are going to lap it up,” Prasad said.

Former BJP chief Rajnath Singh demanded an inquiry. “I want to know for how long Singh has known Karkare and why he was silent for nearly two years.”

Sena MP Sanjay Raut, in a statement issued on Saturday, said a probe was necessary. “What were the relations between Karkare and Congress leaders? If Karkare’s life was under threat, why did he speak only to Singh and not to the then CM, home minister or security agencies?” Raut asked.

He added Singh’s remarks have made it clear that the Malegaon blast investigations were aimed at defaming Hindutva groups and that Congress leaders were controlling the ATS probe.