Opposition's 'curse' behind Arun Jaitley, Sushma Swaraj's deaths: Pragya Thakur
What's the story
In an explosive statement, Bharatiya Janata Party MP Pragya Singh Thakur on Monday held the Opposition responsible for the deaths of BJP leaders Arun Jaitley, Babulal Gaur, and Sushma Swaraj. Thakur, who represents the Bhopal constituency in the Lok Sabha, said that the Opposition used marak shakti (killing power) in an attempt to harm leaders of the party. Here's more on what she said.
Details
Thakur made remarks at condolence meet for Jaitley, Gaur
On Monday, Thakur addressed a condolence meeting for Jaitley and Gaur at the Madhya Pradesh BJP office. Jaitley, the former Union Finance Minister, died on August 24, while Gaur, the former state CM, died on August 21. BJP's national general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya and Leader of Opposition in MP Vidhan Sabha Gopal Bhargava were also present at the meeting.
Quote
Thakur claimed a 'Maharaj ji' had warned her about Opposition
Thakur said, "While I was contesting (Lok Sabha) elections, a Maharaj ji told me that bad times are upon us and Opposition is up to something using some marak shakti against BJP." She added, "Now, when I see our top leaders Sushma ji, Babulal ji, Jaitley ji leaving us one-by-one after undergoing pain, I am forced to think, was Maharaj ji right?"
Twitter Post
You can watch the video here
#WATCH Pragya Thakur,BJP MP: Once a Maharaj ji told me that bad times are upon usopposition is upto something, using some 'marak shakti' against BJP.I later forgot what he said,but now when I see our top leaders leaving us one by one,I am forced to think,wasn't Maharaj ji right? pic.twitter.com/ZeYHkacFJj
— ANI (@ANI) August 26, 2019
Information
Congress's media-cell chief says Thakur lost mental balance
Meanwhile, CM Kamal Nath's media coordinator Narendra Saluja said that the BJP should expel Thakur, adding that the Bhopal MP should apologize to the deceased politicians' families. Further, Congress's media-cell chief Shobha Oza said Thakur has lost her mental balance and requires treatment.
Criticism
Congress advises BJP to sack Thakur for mocking leaders' deaths
Reacting to her comments, Madhya Pradesh Cabinet Minister Jaivardhan Singh said it's "unfortunate" that an MP would make such remarks, adding, "She must take back her words." According to The Indian Express, the Congress has advised the saffron party to sack her for making a mockery of the deaths of Jaitley, Gaur, and Swaraj. Former MEA Swaraj passed away on August 6.
History
Previously, Thakur called Gandhi's assassin a patriot
Thakur has made several controversial remarks in the past. Earlier in May, she had called Mahatma Gandhi's assassin Nathuram Godse a patriot. She was issued a show-cause notice by the BJP and eventually apologized and withdrew her comments. In April, she said that the former Anti-Terrorist Squad chief, Hemant Karkare, died in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks because of her "curse".