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BJP inducts Malegaon blast accused Pragya Thakur, fields her against Digvijay Singh in Bhopal

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7 years ago

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BJP inducts Malegaon blast accused Pragya Thakur, fields her against Digvijay Singh in Bhopal

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Pushing its aggressive Hindutva agenda, the BJP has decided to field Malegaon blast accused Pragya Singh Thakur from Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh against Congress leader and former chief minister Digvijay Singh.

Pragya Thakur formally joined BJP today (Wednesday, April 17) after a meeting with senior BJP leaders Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Ramlal, and Prabhat Jha in Bhopal, according to news agency ANI.

“I have formally joined the BJP, I will contest elections and will definitely win. It won’t be difficult for me,” Pragya, who has prefixed ‘sadhvi’ to her name, told reporters at the BJP office in Bhopal.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_raw_html]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[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Alok Sanjar, the current BJP parliamentarian from Bhopal, said the party fully backed her and would ensure her victory from the seat. “No allegation was proved against her. A woman was harassed. Now it’s time for revenge,” Sanjar told NDTV.

Pragya, along with Lt Colonel Prasad Shrikant Purohit, came to represent what the Congress-led UPA government termed as ‘saffron terror’ after they were both charged in the Malegaon blasts. On September 29, 2008, two bombs fitted on a motorcycle exploded, killing seven people and injuring over 100 in Malegaon in Maharashtra, around 270 km from Mumbai. They are both out on bail in the case.

Also Read: Vote for BJP as only PM Modi can protect India: Baba Ramdev

“We all will fight together with all those who are conspiring against the nation and defeat them,” said Pragya, alleging a conspiracy to frame her.

Pragya Thakur, a controversial figure known for incendiary comments and speeches, had been associated with the RSS-affiliated youth outfit Akhil Bhartiya Vidhyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and ‘Durga Vahini’ or women’s wing of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP).

Pragya Thakur is the third of five children – four sisters and a brother.  She joined the RSS-affiliated Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) in the early nineties.

She moved to Madhya Pradesh as her father was transferred from Jalaun district in Uttar Pradesh to Lahar in Bhind district of the central state in the seventies as an agriculture department employee. Her father again shifted to Surat around 2000 when Pragya was setting out for a post-graduation in history.

She rose to the post of the state organising secretary of ABVP in 1996 and lived in Ujjain for a year before quitting the organisation in 1997. Pragya was associated with many organisations such as Vande Mataram Jan Kalyan Samiti and Rashtrawadi Sena.

In 2005, she led a massive religious procession called ‘Chunari Yatra’ in Dewas, and stayed in Jabalpur for a while where she owns a house in the Gorakhpur locality.

Pragya announced she had become a ‘Sadhvi’ (woman saint) in 2007 at the Allahabad Kumbh and was ordained by the popular seer Swami Avadheshanand Giri, the head of the powerful Juna Akhada.

Also Read: Post-demonetisation, 50 lakh men lost jobs; Women unemployment rate higher: Report

Pragya was arrested in a case involving a bomb blast in Maharashtra’s Malegaon town on September 29, 2008, that killed six people and injured 101 others. The LML Freedom motorcycle used in the blast was found to be registered in her name.

The case has gone through various twists and turns, with National Investigation Agency (NIA) facing allegations of diluting the case last year after it rejected Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) chargesheet and dropping several charges against Pragya, Lt Col Purohit and others citing insufficient evidence. The court, however, decided to go ahead with the case and go by the evidence brought.

Though the court dropped provisions of the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against her, she is being tried under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA).

A third person associated with the term ‘Hindu terror’, Aseemanand, was acquitted in March by an anti-terror court in the 2007 bombing of the Samjhauta Express that left nearly 70 people dead. After that, top BJP leaders attacked the use of the term by the Congress. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said at a rally in Maharashtra that the Congress had branded ‘peace-loving Hindus’ as terrorists and knew it would be punished by voters.

Significantly, Digvijaya Singh was among the Congress leaders who were most vocal in condemning ‘saffron terror’.

Also Read: Google, Apple ban TikTok video app in India after court’s directive

The BJP has never lost in Bhopal since 1989, though it has a sizeable Muslim population. Digvijaya Singh was asked by his party colleague, Chief Minister Kamal Nath, to contest from tough seats like Bhopal or Indore, where the Congress hasn’t won in years. Challenge accepted, was Digvijaya Singh’s response, and he was named for Bhopal.

The Bhopal constituency is spread over eight assembly segments — Berasia, Bhopal Uttar, Narela, Bhopal south-west, Bhopal central, Govindpura, Huzur and Sehore.

The 2019 Lok Sabha election is being conducted in seven phases from 11 April to 19 May for 543 Lok Sabha seats across the country. The counting of votes will be done on 23 May.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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Abhishek Banerjee says will not bow to BJP after nearly 11 hours of ED questioning

After spending nearly 11 hours before the Enforcement Directorate, TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee said he would not bow to the BJP and accused the ruling party of using investigative agencies for political purposes.

Published

37 mins ago

on

June 16, 2026

By

Abhishek Banerjee

Trinamool Congress leader and Diamond Harbour MP Abhishek Banerjee on Tuesday said he would not bow to the BJP after spending nearly 11 hours being questioned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with an ongoing investigation.

Speaking after the questioning, Banerjee alleged that central agencies were being used to target opposition leaders and asserted that he would continue his political fight despite what he described as sustained pressure.

The TMC leader has repeatedly maintained that investigations involving him are politically motivated, a charge he has made on several previous occasions while appearing before central agencies.

His appearance before the ED comes amid a period of heightened political activity and multiple investigations involving leaders in West Bengal. Recent days have also seen Banerjee face summons and questioning in separate matters by state investigative agencies.

After leaving the ED office, Banerjee reiterated that he would not be intimidated and said he remained committed to his political responsibilities. He also accused the BJP of attempting to weaken opposition parties through investigative action, an allegation that the BJP has rejected in the past.

The Enforcement Directorate has not publicly commented on Banerjee’s remarks. The investigation related to the questioning remains ongoing.

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India News

DMK attacks Rahul Gandhi, accuses him of weakening opposition unity

DMK has intensified its criticism of Rahul Gandhi, alleging that the Congress leader’s actions have weakened opposition unity and strained relations within the INDIA bloc.

Published

1 hour ago

on

June 16, 2026

By

Rahul-Gandhi

The war of words between the DMK and Congress has intensified, with the DMK launching a strong attack on Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and accusing him of contributing to divisions within the opposition alliance. The criticism comes amid strained ties between the two parties following their political split in Tamil Nadu.

According to the DMK, Rahul Gandhi’s political approach has weakened unity among opposition parties. The party’s IT wing mocked the Congress leader on social media, while an editorial published in the DMK’s official mouthpiece Murasoli questioned his recent remarks on opposition solidarity.

DMK questions Rahul Gandhi’s remarks on opposition unity

In its editorial, Murasoli argued that Rahul Gandhi was speaking about opposition unity despite, according to the DMK, contributing to disagreements among alliance partners in several states. The publication cited criticism directed at Congress by various opposition parties and suggested that the party’s actions had often created tensions within the INDIA bloc.

The editorial also referred to past political disputes involving Congress and Left parties, particularly in Kerala, claiming such episodes had raised concerns among opposition allies about Congress’s approach toward its partners.

Tamil Nadu political fallout adds to tensions

The attack comes after a major political realignment in Tamil Nadu. Following the 2026 Assembly elections, Congress ended its alliance with the DMK and joined the government led by Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). The move left the DMK in the opposition and significantly altered the political equation between the two former allies.

The DMK has alleged that Congress benefited from the alliance during the election and later abandoned its partner. The party’s editorial questioned whether assurances from Congress leadership would be trusted by alliance partners after the developments in Tamil Nadu.

Congress rejects allegations

Congress has not issued a detailed official response to the editorial, but party sources have rejected the allegations. According to the party, its decisions in Tamil Nadu were made in line with the mandate delivered by voters and were not intended to undermine either the DMK or the broader opposition alliance.

The latest exchange highlights growing strains between two key opposition parties even as leaders continue to stress cooperation on national issues. Just days earlier, Rahul Gandhi had said that the DMK remained aligned with the opposition on defending the “idea of India” despite political differences.

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Congress, SP send mixed signals on AIMIM’s role ahead of 2027 Uttar Pradesh polls

Congress and Samajwadi Party leaders have responded differently to questions about AIMIM’s role ahead of the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, highlighting ongoing discussions over opposition strategy.

Published

18 hours ago

on

June 15, 2026

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Differing responses from Congress and Samajwadi Party leaders have highlighted varying approaches within the Opposition camp regarding the possible role of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) in the run-up to the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections.

The discussion gained momentum after AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi launched his party’s campaign preparations for the 2027 elections from Bahraich and reiterated that his party is open to alliances, provided it is treated with respect and as an equal partner.

Different responses from Congress and SP

Reacting to questions about a possible understanding with AIMIM, Congress leader Imran Masood said any decision on alliances would be taken by the party leadership. He also stressed that there could be no compromise with communalism.

On the other hand, Samajwadi Party leader Ram Gopal Yadav adopted a more accommodating tone, stating that anyone capable of defeating the BJP would be welcome. His remarks were viewed as leaving the door open to broader anti-BJP political cooperation.

The differing responses have drawn attention as Opposition parties continue to assess their electoral strategies ahead of the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections.

AIMIM steps up preparations

AIMIM has begun expanding its campaign activity in Uttar Pradesh, with Owaisi launching the party’s preparations from Bahraich. The Hyderabad MP has indicated that AIMIM is willing to consider alliances but has maintained that any partnership must be based on mutual respect and equality.

The party is also working to strengthen its organisational presence in the state as it seeks a larger role in Uttar Pradesh politics ahead of the next Assembly election.

No formal alliance announced

Despite the ongoing discussion, no formal alliance or seat-sharing arrangement involving AIMIM and major Opposition parties has been announced so far.

With more than a year remaining before the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, political equations are expected to evolve as parties finalise their strategies and alliance plans.

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