Can't forgive Pragya for Godse 'deshbhakt' remark: Modi

As Pragya Singh Thakur's remarks targeting Mahatma Gandhi sparked mass outrage, BJP on Friday plunged into damage control with Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying that he will never forgive the party's saffron-robed candidate from Bhopal for “insulting Bapu”.

As the BJP was battling the controversy over Thakur's remarks, Union Minister Anant Hegde and BJP Lok Sabha member Nalin Kateel's remarks glorifying Godse added fuel to the already raging fire, ahead of the final phase of Lok Sabha elections on Sunday.

“I will never be able to forgive Sadhvi Pragya for insulting Bapu,” Modi told News24 television channel, breaking his silence on the controversy. Earlier, Modi had endorsed her candidature amid an opposition attack questioning her credentials as an accused in the Malegaon blasts case.

BJP President Amit Shah also swung into action by issuing directions for disciplinary action against the three leaders.

The BJP also issued marching orders to Anil Saumitra, the head of the media cell of the Madhya Pradesh unit of the party, for his describing Mahatma Gandhi as the 'Father of Pakistan'.

“The statements made by Anantkumar Hegde, Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur, and Nalin Kateel over the past two days reflect their personal views and BJP has nothing to do with their remarks,” BJP President Amit Shah said.

Thakur's remarks sparked all round outrage with leaders across party lines, academicians, filmstars and corporate leaders condemning them.

“I finally got it. The BJP and the RSS... Are not God-Ke Lovers. They are God-Se Lovers,” Congress President Rahul Gandhi said.

“Some things must remain sacred. Or we become the Taliban, destroying statues that sustain us,” Anand Mahindra, Chairman of the Mahindra Group said.

The BJP action came as the backlash over the remarks by it controversial leaders appeared to derail the party's carefully crafted campaign for the Lok Sabha poll. As many as 59 Lok Sabha seats across eight states and union territories will vote in the final phase of the general elections on Sunday.