Maharashtra opposition parties slam Pragya, BJP

Opposition parties in Maharashtra slammed the BJP and its candidate Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur for her comments against slain police officer Hemant Karkare.

In a joint press conference in Mumbai, Congress and NCP spokespersons lashed out at the BJP.

Meanwhile, state NCP spokesperson Jayant Patil, who took over as home minister in aftermath of 26/11 terror attacks, said people of Maharashtra are deeply hurt.

"People of Maharashtra hold daring policeman late Hemant Karkare in high esteem... he is respected across the country. People will give an answer to BJP and Shiv Sena," he said.

Congress spokesman Sachin Sawant said Prime Minister Narendra Modi must apologise to the nation for the shameful comments of the BJP candidate. The statement of Pragya is not only against Hemant Karkare but all martyrs, added NCP spokesperson Nawab Malik.

"What is the definition of nationalism for BJP, we want to know," state Samajwadi Party president Abu Asim Azmi said.

Left wing leader Ashok Dhavale too condemned the statement. "Now you can see in full form the atrocious fascist mindset of Pragya and her ilk. Talking about modern India's great hero Hemant Karkare deserves to be denounced and fought in the strongest possible manner. Such talk lends credence to the book 'Who Killed Karkare?' said Dr Dhavale, the president of All India Kisan Sabha.