New Delhi: Shiv Sena leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut on Monday questioned opposition parties for fielding Gopalkrishna Gandhi for the vice-presidential election, saying the latter had been opposed to the death sentence of 1993 Mumbai bomb blasts convict Yakub Memon.
Mr Raut said Mr Gandhi was among those who had made appeals to the government to save Memon.
"Gandhi had used all his powers to save Yakub Memon. He even had written to the President. I want to ask (opposition) what kind of mindset is this," he told reporters.
Responding to the Shiv Sena's charge, Congress leader Anand Sharma said, "On what basis are they questioning him? Gopalkrishna Gandhi is a 'Gandhian'. He has always been against any form of violence on human beings. In that context if he's opposed to death penalty then his views should not be distorted and given a communal colour."
"Congress doesn't need certificate from Shiv Sena when it comes to sacrificing in the fight against terrorism," he added.
In July 2015, Mr Gandhi had written to President Pranab Mukherjee to "reconsider" the rejection of Memon's mercy plea.
Opposition parties' vice presidential candidate Gopalkrishna Gandhi has said he will file his nomination tomorrow.
(With inputs from IANS)
Mr Raut said Mr Gandhi was among those who had made appeals to the government to save Memon.
"Gandhi had used all his powers to save Yakub Memon. He even had written to the President. I want to ask (opposition) what kind of mindset is this," he told reporters.
"Congress doesn't need certificate from Shiv Sena when it comes to sacrificing in the fight against terrorism," he added.
Advertisement
Opposition parties' vice presidential candidate Gopalkrishna Gandhi has said he will file his nomination tomorrow.
Advertisement
COMMENTS
Advertisement
"Come, Sit Here... You Will Run For Your Life": Chief Justice Counsels Lawyer "Either You Will Survive Or I Will": Uddhav Thackeray To Devendra Fadnavis 11 State Legislators Take Oath In Maharashtra 150 mg Semen In Kolkata Doctor's Body, Suspect Gang-Rape: Parents To Court Independence Day Updates: "75,000 New Seats For Medical Students In Next 5 Years", Says PM Modi 2 French Rafale Jets Collide Mid-Air, Instructor, Pilot Missing "Working To Reduce Government Interference In People's Lives": PM Modi "Natural Disasters Increasing Concerns": PM Modi On Independence Day "We Have Brought New Criminal Laws To Ensure Justice For All": PM Modi Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.