Hindu angle to blasts lands BJP in a spot

Written by Writer on Saturday, October 25th, 2008

Hindu angle to blasts lands BJP in a spot

25 Oct 2008, Rajeev Deshpande, TNN

NEW DELHI: The emergence of a “Hindu” angle to the Modasa and Malegaon blasts has put BJP in a spot given its sustained campaign against jihadi BJP in a spot terrorism even though its leadership feels that none of those detained has an active link with any Sangh Parivar organisation.

With reports of Indore-based Hindu Jagran Manch being connected with post-September 13 Delhi serial blasts appearing, BJP leadership did a quick check on the backgrounds and affiliations of those suspected to have had a hand in the attacks which took place in Muslim areas.

The development was discussed by BJP leaders, including L K Advani and Rajnath Singh and some others, at Parliament House on Friday where it was felt that the particular sadhvi — Pragya and two associates — were not connected with the Sangh. But the sadhvi’s previous links with ABVP in the late 90’s were definitely cause for discomfort.

The BJP leaders were left with little choice but to take the position that all acts of violence had to be condemned and if the role of the Manch was established, it would have to face the consequences. But there was clearly a sense of unease over the emergence of “Hindu terror” that gave BJP-baiters in Parliament a clear opportunity to have a go at the saffron party.