The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/2-spicejet-pilots-suspended-over-air-pressurisation-failure-in-flight-252838">Directorate General of Civil Aviation</a> (DGCA) on Monday advised the airlines to "behave courteously" with the passengers. 
 
According to an official of the regulatory body, the airlines have been directed to provide timely information about the flight schedule to the passengers. 
 
The directions have come in the backdrop of flights getting delayed across the country. 
 
Earlier today, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-passengers-suffer-as-flight-gets-delayed-due-to-bad-weather-271058">SpiceJet flight</a> SG-8901 from Delhi to Aurangabad got delayed by almost five hours. 
 
"We are like a prisoner inside the SpiceJet aircraft. No one is giving exact timing for take-off," a passenger rued. 
 
Not only in the national capital, but the flight operations across the nation are also getting delayed thus leaving the passengers stranded. Complaints have also been pouring in due to flights getting rescheduled. 
 
Meanwhile, BJP lawmaker <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pragya-thakur-apologies-second-time-in-lok-sabha-reiterates-didnt-call-godse-deshbhakt-265255">Pragya Singh Thakur</a> last week slammed a private airline over "ill-treatment" given to her on a flight from Delhi to Bhopal.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Monday advised the airlines to "behave courteously" with the passengers. According to an official of the regulatory body, the airlines have been directed to provide timely information about the flight schedule to the passengers.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Monday advised the airlines to "behave courteously" with the passengers. According to an official of the regulatory body, the airlines have been directed to provide timely information about the flight schedule to the passengers. The directions have come in the backdrop of flights getting delayed across the country. Earlier today, SpiceJet flight SG-8901 from Delhi to Aurangabad got delayed by almost five hours. "We are like a prisoner inside the SpiceJet aircraft. No one is giving exact timing for take-off," a passenger rued. Not only in the national capital, but the flight operations across the nation are also getting delayed thus leaving the passengers stranded. Complaints have also been pouring in due to flights getting rescheduled. Meanwhile, BJP lawmaker Pragya Singh Thakur last week slammed a private airline over "ill-treatment" given to her on a flight from Delhi to Bhopal.

Behave 'courteously' with passengers: DGCA to airlines

BJP on Thursday condemned party's Bhopal MPs reported remarks on Mahatma Gandhi's assassin Nathuram Godse and said party never supports such statement or ideology.

BJP on Thursday condemned party's Bhopal MPs reported remarks on Mahatma Gandhi's assassin Nathuram Godse and said party never supports such statement or ideology. The party also dropped Thakur from the consultative committee of defence. BJP Working President JP Nadda reportedly told news agency ANI that her (Pragya Singh Thakur) statement on Wednesday in the parliament was condemnable and BJP never supports such statement or ideology. Nadda further said that Thakur will be removed from the consultative committee of defence and will not be allowed to participate in the parliamentary party meetings. Thakur's reported reference to Nathuram Godse as 'deshbhakt' drew condemnation from political parties across the spectrum. Thakur made the comment after interrupting DMK MP A Raja who was citing a statement by Godse on why he killed Gandhi, during a discussion on the Special Protection Group (Amendment) Bill. "You cannot give example of a deshbhakt," Thakur told Raja. Raja said Godse himself admitted that he had nursed a grudge against Gandhi for 32 years before finally deciding to assassinate him. Godse, Raja said, killed Gandhi because he believed in a particular philosophy. While the opposition members protested the interruption by Thakur, the BJP members persuaded her to sit down. Asked about her statement outside Parliament, Thakur said she would reply on Thursday. “Pehle usko poora suniye, mai kal dungi jawab (Listen to the whole thing first, I will reply tomorrow),” she said.

BJP condemns Pragya Singh Thakur's remarks on Nathuram Godse, drops her from defence committee  

This is not the first time that BJP government and its topmost leadership is embarrassed by the statements made by MP Pragya Thakur. Pragya was elected in 2019 Lok Sabha election and she was projected by BJP as a victim of UPA’s agenda against Hindus in the country.&nbsp;

Pragya was shown as a victim of a regime which was more invested in minorities than the majority community.

The politics of Pragya yielded rich dividends to BJP despite gaffes made her during the campaign. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had to make a statement that he would never forgive Pragya. I do not know whether she was forgiven but certainly, things she said were promptly forgotten by the ruling dispensation.

The top leadership continued to reaffirm its faith in Gandhi but ensured that Pragya Singh Thakur was politically accommodated. She was accommodated as a member in one of the Parliamentary Committees. Her honeymoon continued till she dropped another bomb in Lok Sabha by calling Nathuram Godse a patriot. It shocked everyone. Her statement shocked BJP more as party understood the damage her statement has made. She damaged Narendra Modi.

The biggest political service which Narendra Modi has done to RSS and BJP is ending the stigma that RSS philosophy was behind Gandhi’s assassination. Modi broke those mental shackles by adopting Gandhi very creatively.

It is was a big departure in Indian politics. Narendra Modi appropriated Gandhi in a way that it left Congress ideologically high and dry. He adopted his campaigns and ensured public participation. He brought Gandhi out of the classrooms and seminar circuit.

Pragya by making that statement in Lok Sabha killed that six degree of separation. Pragya is a terror accused. Till the case continues, she remains an accused. She can also be a victim of a campaign but now where it brings Gandhi into the picture. It was a political battle between Congress and BJP. Nothing more and nothing less.

In past, she was projected as a victim of minority politics. Today she is an assault on Hindu sensibilities. Mahatma’s assassination in the Hindu psyche is akin to patricide and Pragya by trying to eulogise Nathuram Godse has put the spotlight on BJP.

Is hatred of Gandhi fundamental to the ideology of Hindutva? Does Pragya’s thought represent BJP’s mainstream? If the thought does not represent BJP’s mainstream, then how come she gets away with a light penalty? Lastly, if the government is so committed to the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi then how come Pragya continues to remain in the same august house?

These questions will need to be answered by BJP and RSS. The government will need to take a clear stand on Pragya Singh Thakur and Nathuram Godse. Nathuram cannot be wished away as a misguided patriot. He nursed hatred against Gandhi and believed that he gave away more to Muslims. Token punishment will not work now as she again crossed a red line in the sacred house.

BJP under Modi has evolved into a big party. Prime Minister Narendra Modi must ask Pragya Singh Thakur to step down if he really wants every Indian to believe that his commitment towards Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy and life is real and resolute. It will only make him tall.

&nbsp;(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) &nbsp;

This is not the first time that BJP government and its topmost leadership is embarrassed by the statements made by MP Pragya Thakur. Pragya was elected in 2019 Lok Sabha election and she was projected by BJP as a victim of UPA’s agenda against Hindus in the country.

This is not the first time that BJP government and its topmost leadership is embarrassed by the statements made by MP Pragya Thakur. Pragya was elected in 2019 Lok Sabha election and she was projected by BJP as a victim of UPA’s agenda against Hindus in the country. Pragya was shown as a victim of a regime which was more invested in minorities than the majority community. The politics of Pragya yielded rich dividends to BJP despite gaffes made her during the campaign. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had to make a statement that he would never forgive Pragya. I do not know whether she was forgiven but certainly, things she said were promptly forgotten by the ruling dispensation. The top leadership continued to reaffirm its faith in Gandhi but ensured that Pragya Singh Thakur was politically accommodated. She was accommodated as a member in one of the Parliamentary Committees. Her honeymoon continued till she dropped another bomb in Lok Sabha by calling Nathuram Godse a patriot. It shocked everyone. Her statement shocked BJP more as party understood the damage her statement has made. She damaged Narendra Modi. The biggest political service which Narendra Modi has done to RSS and BJP is ending the stigma that RSS philosophy was behind Gandhi’s assassination. Modi broke those mental shackles by adopting Gandhi very creatively. It is was a big departure in Indian politics. Narendra Modi appropriated Gandhi in a way that it left Congress ideologically high and dry. He adopted his campaigns and ensured public participation. He brought Gandhi out of the classrooms and seminar circuit. Pragya by making that statement in Lok Sabha killed that six degree of separation. Pragya is a terror accused. Till the case continues, she remains an accused. She can also be a victim of a campaign but now where it brings Gandhi into the picture. It was a political battle between Congress and BJP. Nothing more and nothing less. In past, she was projected as a victim of minority politics. Today she is an assault on Hindu sensibilities. Mahatma’s assassination in the Hindu psyche is akin to patricide and Pragya by trying to eulogise Nathuram Godse has put the spotlight on BJP. Is hatred of Gandhi fundamental to the ideology of Hindutva? Does Pragya’s thought represent BJP’s mainstream? If the thought does not represent BJP’s mainstream, then how come she gets away with a light penalty? Lastly, if the government is so committed to the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi then how come Pragya continues to remain in the same august house? These questions will need to be answered by BJP and RSS. The government will need to take a clear stand on Pragya Singh Thakur and Nathuram Godse. Nathuram cannot be wished away as a misguided patriot. He nursed hatred against Gandhi and believed that he gave away more to Muslims. Token punishment will not work now as she again crossed a red line in the sacred house. BJP under Modi has evolved into a big party. Prime Minister Narendra Modi must ask Pragya Singh Thakur to step down if he really wants every Indian to believe that his commitment towards Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy and life is real and resolute. It will only make him tall. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Pragya Singh Thakur should be made to resign from Parliament

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-to-hold-nationwide-protests-against-rahul-gandhi-over-claims-on-rafale-deal-262327">Bharatiya Janata Party</a> (BJP) Lok Sabha member<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/high-court-serves-notice-to-pragya-thakur-on-petition-challenging-her-election-seeks-reply-in-4-days-240116"> Pragya Singh Thakur</a> on Thursday was nominated to the Parliamentary Consultative Committee of the Ministry of Defence.

The chairman of this Committee is Union Defence Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-committed-to-achieving-26-billion-defence-industry-by-2025-rajnath-singh-262818">Rajnath Singh</a>.&nbsp;She is one of the accused in the Malegaon blasts case and was granted bail by the Bombay High court on health grounds in April 2017 after charges against her under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act were dropped by the National Investigation Agency.

Thakur also fought the Lok Sabha elections from Madhya Pradesh and defeated Congress leader Digvijaya Singh by a good margin of votes.

Apart from Thakur, Dr Farooq Abdullah, Chhedi Paswan, Supriya Sule, Sharad Pawar and JP Nadda have also been nominated for the 21-member parliamentary consultative committee.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Lok Sabha member Pragya Singh Thakur on Thursday was nominated to the Parliamentary Consultative Committee of the Ministry of Defence.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Lok Sabha member Pragya Singh Thakur on Thursday was nominated to the Parliamentary Consultative Committee of the Ministry of Defence. The chairman of this Committee is Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. She is one of the accused in the Malegaon blasts case and was granted bail by the Bombay High court on health grounds in April 2017 after charges against her under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act were dropped by the National Investigation Agency. Thakur also fought the Lok Sabha elections from Madhya Pradesh and defeated Congress leader Digvijaya Singh by a good margin of votes. Apart from Thakur, Dr Farooq Abdullah, Chhedi Paswan, Supriya Sule, Sharad Pawar and JP Nadda have also been nominated for the 21-member parliamentary consultative committee.

Malegaon blast accused Pragya Thakur nominated to Rajnath Singh-led defence ministry panel

Remembering Gandhi has turned into a political contest between liberal parties and RSS-BJP combine in India. Unlike in the past when RSS stayed away from open appropriation&nbsp;of Gandhi, the Congress and other like-minded parties did whatever they wanted to do with the national icon.&nbsp;

In my observation, he got confined to classrooms and the lecture circuit. Gandhi ended up becoming a political tool for the protection of political constituency which he made during his lifetime but was inherited by existing leadership of the Congress Party.&nbsp;

Narendra Modi’s appropriation of Gandhi with his Swachh Bharat campaign opened the pandora’s box. It resulted in an intense debate on who owes Gandhi? Can RSS even appropriate Gandhi? Does&nbsp;RSS even have the right to appropriate Gandhi when it was intensely opposed to Gandhi’s worldview of the nation, faith, religion, and freedom struggle. In fact, it is an open secret that the RSS stayed away from Gandhi’s call of the Quit India movement. The ideologues of RSS and Hindu Mahasabha like VD Savarkar were intensely opposed to Gandhi. Even in the recent general election, BJP fielded Pragya Singh Thakur who openly praised Nathuram Godse. The question then arises as to how the pendulum has swung the other way and how come the Indian ‘Right’ has appropriated a part of Gandhi.

The biggest battle of RSS has been the charge that their ideology was complicit in the assassination of Gandhi. The charge was that even if Godse was not part of RSS, he represented RSS’s hatred towards Gandhi. What happened post-2014 elections, turned things upside down. Modi not only identified Gandhi as the icon for Swachh Bharat but turned it into a public connect event. It led to the participation of children and civil society groups and re-imagination of Gandhi which was not associated with the tense relationship of Gandhi with RSS during India's Independence and partition.

The failure of the Congress was to confine Gandhi to bhajan sessions and lecture circuit which was devoid of public resonance and participation. Gandhi was appropriated by the Congress as a political ideology devoid of public participation and current issues which concerned the people.

The best critique of this approach did not flow from Modi. It started from films like Munna Bhai MBBS and the Anna Hazare agitation. The former imagined Gandhi in the context of love, violence, and sense of coolness and the second movement was about corruption in public life. The truth was in everyone’s face. Gandhi is not an end-to-end programme like Apple. You can appropriate what you like, and you would not be labeled a heretic. The beauty of Gandhi is that his philosophy is like an open source software which has demonstrated the ability to absorb new trends again and again.

It is for this reason, the debate on who owes Gandhi is meaningless. If you can follow any aspect of Gandhi, it is enough as it is not mandatory to be him or follow him in toto. Politicians have different reasons to imbibe him, but the truth is that Gandhi will be seen differently by people at different points of time. This re-interpretation of Gandhi must be allowed. Whether people find BJP’s move genuine or not will be decided by the electorate, but it is foolish to grudge Narendra Modi that he has wiped the worst stigma around RSS and that being their ideology behind the assassination of Gandhi.

Unlike other parties, Modi did not participate in the lecture circuit. He took to the broom and here lies the answer as to why historical figures and their legacy cannot be cast in stone. Their legacy will always be seen in the context of present circumstances. Today, plastic and waste makes&nbsp;society anxious. It connects rich with poor the way Gandhi’s Dandi Yatra connected every Indian when the Mahatama picked up the issue of salt satyagraha. By taking up the issue of sanitation and the problem of plastic, Modi has taken a leaf from Gandhi’s political campaign tool.&nbsp;

Social problems can only be resolved through public participation. A participation that does not disrupt life dramatically but even a minimum contribution allows a sense being part of a bigger deal. This was the beauty or one of the beauties of Gandhi’s philosophy. It is in play even today. Let’s not grudge who appropriates him and how is in play today. 
&nbsp;

Remembering Gandhi has turned into a political contest between liberal parties and RSS-BJP combine in India. Unlike in the past when RSS stayed away from open appropriation of Gandhi, the Congress and other like-minded parties did whatever they wanted to do with the national icon.

Remembering Gandhi has turned into a political contest between liberal parties and RSS-BJP combine in India. Unlike in the past when RSS stayed away from open appropriation of Gandhi, the Congress and other like-minded parties did whatever they wanted to do with the national icon. In my observation, he got confined to classrooms and the lecture circuit. Gandhi ended up becoming a political tool for the protection of political constituency which he made during his lifetime but was inherited by existing leadership of the Congress Party. Narendra Modi’s appropriation of Gandhi with his Swachh Bharat campaign opened the pandora’s box. It resulted in an intense debate on who owes Gandhi? Can RSS even appropriate Gandhi? Does RSS even have the right to appropriate Gandhi when it was intensely opposed to Gandhi’s worldview of the nation, faith, religion, and freedom struggle. In fact, it is an open secret that the RSS stayed away from Gandhi’s call of the Quit India movement. The ideologues of RSS and Hindu Mahasabha like VD Savarkar were intensely opposed to Gandhi. Even in the recent general election, BJP fielded Pragya Singh Thakur who openly praised Nathuram Godse. The question then arises as to how the pendulum has swung the other way and how come the Indian ‘Right’ has appropriated a part of Gandhi. The biggest battle of RSS has been the charge that their ideology was complicit in the assassination of Gandhi. The charge was that even if Godse was not part of RSS, he represented RSS’s hatred towards Gandhi. What happened post-2014 elections, turned things upside down. Modi not only identified Gandhi as the icon for Swachh Bharat but turned it into a public connect event. It led to the participation of children and civil society groups and re-imagination of Gandhi which was not associated with the tense relationship of Gandhi with RSS during India's Independence and partition. The failure of the Congress was to confine Gandhi to bhajan sessions and lecture circuit which was devoid of public resonance and participation. Gandhi was appropriated by the Congress as a political ideology devoid of public participation and current issues which concerned the people. The best critique of this approach did not flow from Modi. It started from films like Munna Bhai MBBS and the Anna Hazare agitation. The former imagined Gandhi in the context of love, violence, and sense of coolness and the second movement was about corruption in public life. The truth was in everyone’s face. Gandhi is not an end-to-end programme like Apple. You can appropriate what you like, and you would not be labeled a heretic. The beauty of Gandhi is that his philosophy is like an open source software which has demonstrated the ability to absorb new trends again and again. It is for this reason, the debate on who owes Gandhi is meaningless. If you can follow any aspect of Gandhi, it is enough as it is not mandatory to be him or follow him in toto. Politicians have different reasons to imbibe him, but the truth is that Gandhi will be seen differently by people at different points of time. This re-interpretation of Gandhi must be allowed. Whether people find BJP’s move genuine or not will be decided by the electorate, but it is foolish to grudge Narendra Modi that he has wiped the worst stigma around RSS and that being their ideology behind the assassination of Gandhi. Unlike other parties, Modi did not participate in the lecture circuit. He took to the broom and here lies the answer as to why historical figures and their legacy cannot be cast in stone. Their legacy will always be seen in the context of present circumstances. Today, plastic and waste makes society anxious. It connects rich with poor the way Gandhi’s Dandi Yatra connected every Indian when the Mahatama picked up the issue of salt satyagraha. By taking up the issue of sanitation and the problem of plastic, Modi has taken a leaf from Gandhi’s political campaign tool. Social problems can only be resolved through public participation. A participation that does not disrupt life dramatically but even a minimum contribution allows a sense being part of a bigger deal. This was the beauty or one of the beauties of Gandhi’s philosophy. It is in play even today. Let’s not grudge who appropriates him and how is in play today.

Unbundling Gandhi: Claiming the Mahatma's Legacy

Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur, who had skipped proceedings on Thursday on grounds of ill health, appeared before a special National Investigation Agency (NIA) court along with two other accused in connection with the 2008 Malegaon blast case.

Thakur, an accused in the case, was asked some questions by NIA Judge Vinod Padlakar, who later directed all the three accused -Thakur, Samir Kulkarni and Sudhakar Diwedi--to return to the court at 2:45 pm&nbsp;for signatures marking their presence as per the procedure.

At the court, she could be seen helped by two men to climb the stairs at the entrance.

During the course of hearing, Special NIA Judge Vinod Padlakar asked two questions from all the three accused present in the court.

"Do you know or has your lawyer told you about how many witnesses have been examined by the prosecution till now?" the judge asked.

Thakur replied, "I don't know," while Diwedi answered that so far 116 witnesses have been examined by the prosecution.

The court also asked, "From all the witnesses who have been examined till now, it has transpired that there was a blast on September 29, 2008 in which several people died. What do you have to say?"

Thakur and Diwedi said that they do not know about it while Kulkarni claimed that it is true.

On Thursday, the court issued an arrest warrant against a witness in the case who had signed the panchnama while the damage by the blasts was being ascertained. Since it was a bailable warrant, the witness has to pay Rs. 5,000 as bail bond.

Thakur had on Tuesday, moved an exemption from appearance plea in connection with the case. She is likely to appear before the court later this week, her lawyer had said.

The court had on Monday directed Thakur and all other accused in the case to appear before it once a week.

Judge Padalkar, while asking Thakur to be present before the court, had referred to a recent Supreme Court order which said hearing in criminal cases against public representatives be expedited.

Besides the Bhopal MP, the other accused are Lt Col Prasad Purohit, Major (retired) Ramesh Upadhyay, Sudhakar Dwivedi, Ajay Rahirkar, Sameer Kulkarni and Sudhakar Chaturvedi.

They have been charged under various sections of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) and the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

The charges include sections 16 (committing terrorist act) and 18 (conspiring to commit terrorist act) of the UAPA and sections 120 (b) (criminal conspiracy), 302 (murder), 307 (attempt to murder), 324 (voluntarily causing hurt) and 153 (a) (promoting enmity between two religious groups) of the IPC.

The accused have also been charged under relevant sections of the Explosive Substances Act.

On September 29, 2018, six people were killed and a dozen others were injured when a bomb placed on a motorcycle exploded in Maharashtra's Malegaon city.

Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur, who had skipped proceedings on Thursday on grounds of ill health, appeared before a special National Investigation Agency (NIA) court along with two other accused in connection with the 2008 Malegaon blast case.

Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur, who had skipped proceedings on Thursday on grounds of ill health, appeared before a special National Investigation Agency (NIA) court along with two other accused in connection with the 2008 Malegaon blast case. Thakur, an accused in the case, was asked some questions by NIA Judge Vinod Padlakar, who later directed all the three accused -Thakur, Samir Kulkarni and Sudhakar Diwedi--to return to the court at 2:45 pm for signatures marking their presence as per the procedure. At the court, she could be seen helped by two men to climb the stairs at the entrance. During the course of hearing, Special NIA Judge Vinod Padlakar asked two questions from all the three accused present in the court. "Do you know or has your lawyer told you about how many witnesses have been examined by the prosecution till now?" the judge asked. Thakur replied, "I don't know," while Diwedi answered that so far 116 witnesses have been examined by the prosecution. The court also asked, "From all the witnesses who have been examined till now, it has transpired that there was a blast on September 29, 2008 in which several people died. What do you have to say?" Thakur and Diwedi said that they do not know about it while Kulkarni claimed that it is true. On Thursday, the court issued an arrest warrant against a witness in the case who had signed the panchnama while the damage by the blasts was being ascertained. Since it was a bailable warrant, the witness has to pay Rs. 5,000 as bail bond. Thakur had on Tuesday, moved an exemption from appearance plea in connection with the case. She is likely to appear before the court later this week, her lawyer had said. The court had on Monday directed Thakur and all other accused in the case to appear before it once a week. Judge Padalkar, while asking Thakur to be present before the court, had referred to a recent Supreme Court order which said hearing in criminal cases against public representatives be expedited. Besides the Bhopal MP, the other accused are Lt Col Prasad Purohit, Major (retired) Ramesh Upadhyay, Sudhakar Dwivedi, Ajay Rahirkar, Sameer Kulkarni and Sudhakar Chaturvedi. They have been charged under various sections of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) and the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The charges include sections 16 (committing terrorist act) and 18 (conspiring to commit terrorist act) of the UAPA and sections 120 (b) (criminal conspiracy), 302 (murder), 307 (attempt to murder), 324 (voluntarily causing hurt) and 153 (a) (promoting enmity between two religious groups) of the IPC. The accused have also been charged under relevant sections of the Explosive Substances Act. On September 29, 2018, six people were killed and a dozen others were injured when a bomb placed on a motorcycle exploded in Maharashtra's Malegaon city.

NIA court questions Pragya Singh Thakur, two others in Malegaon blast case

A special court here has granted an exemption to the 2008 Malegaon blast case accused Pragya Singh Thakur, Lt. Col. Prasad Purohit and Sudhakar Chaturvedi from appearing before it this week.

When the matter was taken up by the special NIA court on Monday, the three accused filed applications through their lawyers seeking exemption from appearance.

While Thakur and Chaturvedi said they are busy with preparations for the upcoming results of the Lok Sabha polls, which they had contested, Purohit cited personal difficulties. The court allowed the applications.

The court also allowed an application filed by lawyers of the accused persons to visit the blast site in Malegaon, a town about 200 kilometres from here in Maharashtra’s Nashik district.

Last week, the special NIA court, which is conducting a trial against seven accused in the case, had directed all of them to appear before it at least once a week.

It then said an exemption would be granted if cogent reasons were submitted.

Thakur, the BJP nominee from Bhopal Lok Sabha Seat, said in her application that as a candidate, she would have to fulfil certain procedures of the Election Commission, including nominating her agents for the counting of votes in her constituency on May 23.

Chaturvedi, who fought the election as an Independent from Mirzapur Seat in Uttar Pradesh, cited the same reason.

Currently, the court is recording the testimony of witnesses in the case. Besides these three, the other accused in the case are Major (retired) Ramesh Upadhyay, Ajay Rahirkar, Sudhakar Dwivedi and Sameer Kulkarni. They are all out on bail.

The accused persons are facing trial under various sections of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) and the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

They have been charged under UAPA Sections 16 (committing terrorist act) and 18 (conspiring to commit terrorist act). They are facing charges under Sections 120(b) (Criminal Conspiracy), 302 (Murder), 307 (Attempt to murder), 324 (Voluntarily causing hurt) and 153(a) (promoting enmity between two religious groups) of the IPC.

The accused have also been charged under relevant sections of the Explosive Substances Act.

A special court here has granted an exemption to the 2008 Malegaon blast case accused Pragya Singh Thakur, Lt. Col. Prasad Purohit and Sudhakar Chaturvedi from appearing before it this week.

A special court here has granted an exemption to the 2008 Malegaon blast case accused Pragya Singh Thakur, Lt. Col. Prasad Purohit and Sudhakar Chaturvedi from appearing before it this week. When the matter was taken up by the special NIA court on Monday, the three accused filed applications through their lawyers seeking exemption from appearance. While Thakur and Chaturvedi said they are busy with preparations for the upcoming results of the Lok Sabha polls, which they had contested, Purohit cited personal difficulties. The court allowed the applications. The court also allowed an application filed by lawyers of the accused persons to visit the blast site in Malegaon, a town about 200 kilometres from here in Maharashtra’s Nashik district. Last week, the special NIA court, which is conducting a trial against seven accused in the case, had directed all of them to appear before it at least once a week. It then said an exemption would be granted if cogent reasons were submitted. Thakur, the BJP nominee from Bhopal Lok Sabha Seat, said in her application that as a candidate, she would have to fulfil certain procedures of the Election Commission, including nominating her agents for the counting of votes in her constituency on May 23. Chaturvedi, who fought the election as an Independent from Mirzapur Seat in Uttar Pradesh, cited the same reason. Currently, the court is recording the testimony of witnesses in the case. Besides these three, the other accused in the case are Major (retired) Ramesh Upadhyay, Ajay Rahirkar, Sudhakar Dwivedi and Sameer Kulkarni. They are all out on bail. The accused persons are facing trial under various sections of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) and the Indian Penal Code (IPC). They have been charged under UAPA Sections 16 (committing terrorist act) and 18 (conspiring to commit terrorist act). They are facing charges under Sections 120(b) (Criminal Conspiracy), 302 (Murder), 307 (Attempt to murder), 324 (Voluntarily causing hurt) and 153(a) (promoting enmity between two religious groups) of the IPC. The accused have also been charged under relevant sections of the Explosive Substances Act.

Malegaon blast case: Pragya Singh Thakur, two other accused exempted from court appearance

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said he will never forgive <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/bjp-has-taken-the-statements-seriously-sent-them-to-disciplinary-committee-amit-shah-over-comments-on-nathuram-godse-219338">BJP candidate Pragya Singh Thakur</a> for insulting Mahatma Gandhi by calling his assassin Nathuram Godse a true patriot.

The prime minister told a TV channel during his last rally in Madhya Pradesh's Khargone ahead of the last phase of voting in the Lok Sabha polls, he also said her comments were detrimental to society.

"The remarks made about Gandhiji or Nathuram Godse are very bad and very wrong for society," he said. "She has sought an apology but I would never be able to forgive her fully," he added.

Earlier Friday, BJP president Amit Shah said remarks on Mahatma Gandhi's assassin by three BJP leaders Thakur, Union Minister Anantkumar Hegde and Karnataka MP Nalin Kumar Kateel were not in line with the party's ideology.

Shah had said the party's disciplinary committee has sought an explanation from them in 10 days.

During a roadshow in Madhya Pradesh's Agar town, Thakur had said, "Nathuram Godseji deshbhakt the, hai, aur rahenge unko aatankwadi kahne wale log swayam ki gireban me jhaank kar dekhe chunav mein aise logon ko jawab de diya jayega (Nathuram Godse was a patriot and will remain a patriot, those who call him a terrorist should look within they will get a reply in this election)".

She was responding to a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/my-speech-about-harmony-says-kamal-haasan-defending-godse-remark-219298">comment made by actor-turned-politician Kamal&nbsp;Haasan</a>, who had said Godse was the first Hindu terrorist in independent India.

The Malegaon blast accused later apologised for her statement.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said he will never forgive BJP candidate Pragya Singh Thakur for insulting Mahatma Gandhi by calling his assassin Nathuram Godse a true patriot.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said he will never forgive BJP candidate Pragya Singh Thakur for insulting Mahatma Gandhi by calling his assassin Nathuram Godse a true patriot. The prime minister told a TV channel during his last rally in Madhya Pradesh's Khargone ahead of the last phase of voting in the Lok Sabha polls, he also said her comments were detrimental to society. "The remarks made about Gandhiji or Nathuram Godse are very bad and very wrong for society," he said. "She has sought an apology but I would never be able to forgive her fully," he added. Earlier Friday, BJP president Amit Shah said remarks on Mahatma Gandhi's assassin by three BJP leaders Thakur, Union Minister Anantkumar Hegde and Karnataka MP Nalin Kumar Kateel were not in line with the party's ideology. Shah had said the party's disciplinary committee has sought an explanation from them in 10 days. During a roadshow in Madhya Pradesh's Agar town, Thakur had said, "Nathuram Godseji deshbhakt the, hai, aur rahenge unko aatankwadi kahne wale log swayam ki gireban me jhaank kar dekhe chunav mein aise logon ko jawab de diya jayega (Nathuram Godse was a patriot and will remain a patriot, those who call him a terrorist should look within they will get a reply in this election)". She was responding to a comment made by actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan, who had said Godse was the first Hindu terrorist in independent India. The Malegaon blast accused later apologised for her statement.

Would never be able to forgive Pragya for Godse remark: PM Modi

Madhya Pradesh Chief Electoral Officer Friday submitted a report to the Election Commission (EC) over the statement of BJP candidate from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/election-commission-issues-notice-to-pragya-singh-thakur-over-campaigning-despite-72-hour-ban-216032">Bhopal Pragya Singh Thakur,</a> who termed Mahatma Gandhi's assassin <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iew-row-over-sadhvi-pragya-thakurs-comments-219226">Nathuram Godse a deshbhakt (patriot)</a>.

The state election officials have forwarded a report to the EC in this regard, MP CEO V L Kanthrao said.

Asked about details of the report, he said, We will share them after the EC takes a decision in this regard.

Earlier in the day, the District Election Officer of the Agar Malwa district submitted his report to the CEO in the matter of Pragya Singh Thakur's statement on Godse.

The poll panel had taken cognisance of Pragya's remarks describing Mahatma Gandhi's assassin as a "patriot" on Thursday after a host of political parties condemned her remark.

Pragya has apologised for her comment and retracted the statement.

"It was my personal opinion remark. My intention was not to hurt anyone's sentiments. If I've hurt anyone I do apologise. What Gandhi Ji has done for the country cannot be forgotten. My statement has been twisted by the media," Pragya, an accused in the Malegaon blast case, said. She also tweeted her apology.

On Thursday, in response to a question over actor- turned-politician Kamal Haasan's remark that "free India's first terrorist was a Hindu", Pragya had said, "Nathuram Godse was a deshbhakt (patriot), he is and will remain a deshbhakt. Those calling him a terrorist should look at themselves. They will be given a befitting reply in this election."

Earlier this month, the EC had barred Pragya from campaigning for three days for violating the Model Code of Conduct by stirring up communal feelings. The poll watchdog had said in its order that the decision came in light of her comments against slain IPS officer Hemant Karkare and on the demolition of the Babri Masjid.&nbsp;

Madhya Pradesh Chief Electoral Officer Friday submitted a report to the Election Commission (EC) over the statement of BJP candidate from Bhopal Pragya Singh Thakur, who termed Mahatma Gandhi's assassin Nathuram Godse a deshbhakt (patriot).

Madhya Pradesh Chief Electoral Officer Friday submitted a report to the Election Commission (EC) over the statement of BJP candidate from Bhopal Pragya Singh Thakur, who termed Mahatma Gandhi's assassin Nathuram Godse a deshbhakt (patriot). The state election officials have forwarded a report to the EC in this regard, MP CEO V L Kanthrao said. Asked about details of the report, he said, We will share them after the EC takes a decision in this regard. Earlier in the day, the District Election Officer of the Agar Malwa district submitted his report to the CEO in the matter of Pragya Singh Thakur's statement on Godse. The poll panel had taken cognisance of Pragya's remarks describing Mahatma Gandhi's assassin as a "patriot" on Thursday after a host of political parties condemned her remark. Pragya has apologised for her comment and retracted the statement. "It was my personal opinion remark. My intention was not to hurt anyone's sentiments. If I've hurt anyone I do apologise. What Gandhi Ji has done for the country cannot be forgotten. My statement has been twisted by the media," Pragya, an accused in the Malegaon blast case, said. She also tweeted her apology. On Thursday, in response to a question over actor- turned-politician Kamal Haasan's remark that "free India's first terrorist was a Hindu", Pragya had said, "Nathuram Godse was a deshbhakt (patriot), he is and will remain a deshbhakt. Those calling him a terrorist should look at themselves. They will be given a befitting reply in this election." Earlier this month, the EC had barred Pragya from campaigning for three days for violating the Model Code of Conduct by stirring up communal feelings. The poll watchdog had said in its order that the decision came in light of her comments against slain IPS officer Hemant Karkare and on the demolition of the Babri Masjid.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Election Officer submits report to Election Commission on Pragya Singh's Godse statement

The screening of a short film featuring Bhopal BJP Lok Sabha candidate and Malegaon blast accused Pragya Singh Thakur among others was Monday stopped midway here by a team of the Election Commission and local police.

The film, titled 'Bhagwa Aatankwad Bhramjaal' is centred around the Samjhauta Express, Malegaon, Ajmer Dargah and Mecca Masjid blasts and was being shown to journalists here by an organisation called Bharat Vichar Manch (BVM).

Following a complaint by the Congress, a team of EC officials and personnel from MP Nagar police station stopped the screening, said Inspector Manish Rai.

He said the EC had initially given permission to BVM for the show but recalled it after the Congress complained.

A BVM member, who identified himself as Captain Vikas Pandey, said the Mumbai-based producer-director of the film, Rajiv Pandey, wanted to the launch the short film from MP.

He said the BVM was a social organisation and is not connected&nbsp;to the RSS.

Rajiv Pandey said the film would be uploaded on sites like YouTube soon.

'They are free to show the short film after May 12 when elections for Bhopal Lok Sabha seat gets over.

We lodged a model code of conduct violation with the EC and it promptly took action,' MP Congress spokesperson Bhupendra Gupta said.

'The EC has put off the release of a biopic on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the same yardstick should apply to Pragya Thakur as well,' he added.

The short film contends that Thakur and other 'Hindu personalities' were held on 'cooked up' terror charges by the Congress-led UPA government.

Thakur is pitted against senior Congress leader and former chief minister Digvijaya Singh from Bhopal.

The screening of a short film featuring Bhopal BJP Lok Sabha candidate and Malegaon blast accused Pragya Singh Thakur among others was Monday stopped midway here by a team of the Election Commission and local police.

The screening of a short film featuring Bhopal BJP Lok Sabha candidate and Malegaon blast accused Pragya Singh Thakur among others was Monday stopped midway here by a team of the Election Commission and local police. The film, titled 'Bhagwa Aatankwad Bhramjaal' is centred around the Samjhauta Express, Malegaon, Ajmer Dargah and Mecca Masjid blasts and was being shown to journalists here by an organisation called Bharat Vichar Manch (BVM). Following a complaint by the Congress, a team of EC officials and personnel from MP Nagar police station stopped the screening, said Inspector Manish Rai. He said the EC had initially given permission to BVM for the show but recalled it after the Congress complained. A BVM member, who identified himself as Captain Vikas Pandey, said the Mumbai-based producer-director of the film, Rajiv Pandey, wanted to the launch the short film from MP. He said the BVM was a social organisation and is not connected to the RSS. Rajiv Pandey said the film would be uploaded on sites like YouTube soon. 'They are free to show the short film after May 12 when elections for Bhopal Lok Sabha seat gets over. We lodged a model code of conduct violation with the EC and it promptly took action,' MP Congress spokesperson Bhupendra Gupta said. 'The EC has put off the release of a biopic on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the same yardstick should apply to Pragya Thakur as well,' he added. The short film contends that Thakur and other 'Hindu personalities' were held on 'cooked up' terror charges by the Congress-led UPA government. Thakur is pitted against senior Congress leader and former chief minister Digvijaya Singh from Bhopal.

Screening of short film featuring Pragya stopped by Election Commission in Madhya Pradesh

Bharatiya Janata Party Bhopal candidate Pragya Singh Thakur has been sent a notice by District Election Officer here over a complaint of her campaigning during the 3-day period when she was barred by the EC from campaigning.

"I'm a Sanyasi. My life's base is spiritualism, Indian cultural symbols and values. If somebody stops me from practising this, I will leave it to their wisdom," said Thakur on the matter.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Wednesday debarred Thakur from campaigning for three days in the Lok Sabha polls in the wake of her remark that she is proud of Babri Masjid's demolition.

The remark was found violative of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) by the poll body.

The district election officer sought a reply from Thakur on the notice.&nbsp;

Bharatiya Janata Party Bhopal candidate Pragya Singh Thakur has been sent a notice by District Election Officer here over a complaint of her campaigning during the 3-day period when she was barred by the EC from campaigning.

Bharatiya Janata Party Bhopal candidate Pragya Singh Thakur has been sent a notice by District Election Officer here over a complaint of her campaigning during the 3-day period when she was barred by the EC from campaigning. "I'm a Sanyasi. My life's base is spiritualism, Indian cultural symbols and values. If somebody stops me from practising this, I will leave it to their wisdom," said Thakur on the matter. The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Wednesday debarred Thakur from campaigning for three days in the Lok Sabha polls in the wake of her remark that she is proud of Babri Masjid's demolition. The remark was found violative of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) by the poll body. The district election officer sought a reply from Thakur on the notice.

Election Commission issues notice to Pragya Singh Thakur over 'campaigning despite 72-hour ban'

The Election Commission Wednesday barred BJP candidate from Bhopal <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pragya-singh-thakur-files-nomination-from-bhopal-lok-sabha-constituency-212601">Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur</a> from campaigning for 72 hours for her remarks on former ATS chief <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ips-association-condemns-sadhvi-pragyas-remark-on-2611-martyr-hemant-karkare-211827">Hemant Karkare </a>and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bhopal-election-officer-issues-notice-to-pragya-thakur-over-her-babri-masjid-remark-212237">Babri mosque demolition</a>.

The panel "strongly condemned" her remarks and warned her "not to repeat the misconduct in future".&nbsp;

The EC said though Pragya had apologised for her statement against the slain IPS officer, it found the statement to be "unwarranted".&nbsp;

The ban would come into force from 6.00 AM, May 2.&nbsp;

The Malegaon blast accused had said Karkare was killed in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack because of her "curse" as he "tortured" her when he probed the case as chief of the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS).

She also had said that she was "proud" of her participation in the demolition of the Babri mosque at Ayodhya in 1992.&nbsp;

In her response to the show cause notice on Karkare, she had said that the idea was to tell people how she was tortured allegedly at the behest of the Congress-led UPA government. She said she holds the right to tell people what she had gone through.

On Babri mosque, she said she had no intentions of creating divide between people and her statement only reflects her inner voice.

The EC found her statements to be "provocative" and having the potential to "spread hatred".

The Commission felt the statements were aimed at securing votes on "religious grounds".

Bhopal will vote in phase 6 of Lok Sabha elections on May 12. Pragya is pitted against Congress leader Digvijay Singh.&nbsp;

The Election Commission Wednesday barred BJP candidate from Bhopal Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur from campaigning for 72 hours for her remarks on former ATS chief Hemant Karkare and Babri mosque demolition.

The Election Commission Wednesday barred BJP candidate from Bhopal Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur from campaigning for 72 hours for her remarks on former ATS chief Hemant Karkare and Babri mosque demolition. The panel "strongly condemned" her remarks and warned her "not to repeat the misconduct in future". The EC said though Pragya had apologised for her statement against the slain IPS officer, it found the statement to be "unwarranted". The ban would come into force from 6.00 AM, May 2. The Malegaon blast accused had said Karkare was killed in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack because of her "curse" as he "tortured" her when he probed the case as chief of the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS). She also had said that she was "proud" of her participation in the demolition of the Babri mosque at Ayodhya in 1992. In her response to the show cause notice on Karkare, she had said that the idea was to tell people how she was tortured allegedly at the behest of the Congress-led UPA government. She said she holds the right to tell people what she had gone through. On Babri mosque, she said she had no intentions of creating divide between people and her statement only reflects her inner voice. The EC found her statements to be "provocative" and having the potential to "spread hatred". The Commission felt the statements were aimed at securing votes on "religious grounds". Bhopal will vote in phase 6 of Lok Sabha elections on May 12. Pragya is pitted against Congress leader Digvijay Singh.

Election Commission bars Pragya Thakur from campaigning for 72 hours for Karkare, Babri remarks

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday claimed that the Congress won't get even 50 seats in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections.

Speaking at an election rally here along with Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray, Modi cited a survey to support his claim.

"Dont waste your vote. Better to vote for a party that is coming to power and you can strengthen it with your vote," Modi said.&nbsp;

"The only question now is if the BJP will better its own 2014 tally," he added.

Modi also attacked the Congress for neglecting the police forces force and turning it into a "punching bag" while the party was in power.

Modi's attack on the opposition party came in the backdrop of a raging controversy over BJP candidate Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur's remarks about 26/11 Mumbai terror attack martyr police officer Hemant Karkare.

Had it not been for the alertness of Mumbai Police, who have paid a heavy price including martyrdom, the city would have paid a heavier price due to terror activities, he said.

"The Congress attitude has been to change chief ministers and home ministers following terror attacks; we have changed that culture," Modi said.

The Congress did not do anything for the security forces, Modi said and underlined his government's decision to build a police memorial in New Delhi.

Modi told the crowd that the Congress insulted them by calling the middle class as selfish and greedy. He underlined the contributions of the middle class and his government's initiatives for it.

"Telephone bills were once a huge part in the list of expenses of the middle class. Due to efforts of our government, calling is almost free now and data is also among the cheapest in the world," Modi said.

The government works with 'Mumbai first' agenda and the changes are there to see with work on bullet trains and metro network in progress, he said.

In the next few years, Mumbai will have 275 km of metro network, Modi said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday claimed that the Congress won't get even 50 seats in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections. Speaking at an election rally here along with Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray, Modi cited a survey to support his claim.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday claimed that the Congress won't get even 50 seats in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections. Speaking at an election rally here along with Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray, Modi cited a survey to support his claim. "Dont waste your vote. Better to vote for a party that is coming to power and you can strengthen it with your vote," Modi said. "The only question now is if the BJP will better its own 2014 tally," he added. Modi also attacked the Congress for neglecting the police forces force and turning it into a "punching bag" while the party was in power. Modi's attack on the opposition party came in the backdrop of a raging controversy over BJP candidate Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur's remarks about 26/11 Mumbai terror attack martyr police officer Hemant Karkare. Had it not been for the alertness of Mumbai Police, who have paid a heavy price including martyrdom, the city would have paid a heavier price due to terror activities, he said. "The Congress attitude has been to change chief ministers and home ministers following terror attacks; we have changed that culture," Modi said. The Congress did not do anything for the security forces, Modi said and underlined his government's decision to build a police memorial in New Delhi. Modi told the crowd that the Congress insulted them by calling the middle class as selfish and greedy. He underlined the contributions of the middle class and his government's initiatives for it. "Telephone bills were once a huge part in the list of expenses of the middle class. Due to efforts of our government, calling is almost free now and data is also among the cheapest in the world," Modi said. The government works with 'Mumbai first' agenda and the changes are there to see with work on bullet trains and metro network in progress, he said. In the next few years, Mumbai will have 275 km of metro network, Modi said.

Congress won't get even 50 seats, says Modi in Mumbai

Bhopal BJP candidate and Malegaon blast accused Pragya Singh Thakur on Wednesday termed NIA court's decision to turn down a plea seeking to bar her from contesting poll as the victory of "truth and virtues".

"This is our victory. Truth and dharma (virtue) always win. I already knew it (about the court's decision). I have done no wrong," Pragya told reporters here.

She said that the case against her was a result of a conspiracy by the Congress.

Earlier in the day, a special NIA court turned down the application filed by Nisar Ahmed Sayyed Bilal, the father of a victim of the 2008 Malegaon terror blast, seeking to bar Thakur from contesting the ongoing Lok Sabha elections.

Special NIA Judge Vinod Padalkar while negating the plea, said, "In present ongoing elections, this court does not have any legal powers to prohibit anyone from contesting elections. It is the job of the electoral officers to decide. This court can't stop the accused from contesting elections. This application is negated by this court."

Special Judge Padalkar stated that the agency cannot mention that there is no prima facie case against Thakur.

The applicant's lawyer argued before the court that Pragya was not attending the court proceedings on grounds of ill health but undertook election campaign where she is not looking ill.

On Tuesday, Thakur filed her response to the plea and dubbed the petition as "frivolous" adding that the plea was filed with a "political agenda" and was "publicity stunt".

In her reply filed before the NIA court, Pragya said, "There is no provision in the Representation of Peoples Act 1951, which disqualifies the candidate from contesting elections if a criminal case is pending against him/her."

Thakur is among the seven accused facing trial in the Malegaon blast case, wherein six people were killed and a dozen others were injured when a bomb placed on a motorcycle exploded in Maharashtra`s Malegaon on September 29, 2008.

Bhopal BJP candidate and Malegaon blast accused Pragya Singh Thakur on Wednesday termed NIA court's decision to turn down a plea seeking to bar her from contesting poll as the victory of "truth and virtues".

Bhopal BJP candidate and Malegaon blast accused Pragya Singh Thakur on Wednesday termed NIA court's decision to turn down a plea seeking to bar her from contesting poll as the victory of "truth and virtues". "This is our victory. Truth and dharma (virtue) always win. I already knew it (about the court's decision). I have done no wrong," Pragya told reporters here. She said that the case against her was a result of a conspiracy by the Congress. Earlier in the day, a special NIA court turned down the application filed by Nisar Ahmed Sayyed Bilal, the father of a victim of the 2008 Malegaon terror blast, seeking to bar Thakur from contesting the ongoing Lok Sabha elections. Special NIA Judge Vinod Padalkar while negating the plea, said, "In present ongoing elections, this court does not have any legal powers to prohibit anyone from contesting elections. It is the job of the electoral officers to decide. This court can't stop the accused from contesting elections. This application is negated by this court." Special Judge Padalkar stated that the agency cannot mention that there is no prima facie case against Thakur. The applicant's lawyer argued before the court that Pragya was not attending the court proceedings on grounds of ill health but undertook election campaign where she is not looking ill. On Tuesday, Thakur filed her response to the plea and dubbed the petition as "frivolous" adding that the plea was filed with a "political agenda" and was "publicity stunt". In her reply filed before the NIA court, Pragya said, "There is no provision in the Representation of Peoples Act 1951, which disqualifies the candidate from contesting elections if a criminal case is pending against him/her." Thakur is among the seven accused facing trial in the Malegaon blast case, wherein six people were killed and a dozen others were injured when a bomb placed on a motorcycle exploded in Maharashtra`s Malegaon on September 29, 2008.

Pragya says NIA order on her candidature 'victory of truth'

BJP Lok Sabha candidate from Bhopal Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur has declared assets worth more than Rs 4.44 lakh that includes a 150-gram silver-coated brick which has Lord Rama inscribed on it, according to her affidavit.

Thakur, an accused in the 2008 Malegaon blast case currently on bail, has mentioned in her affidavit that she depends on alms and the society for her livelihood.

The total value of her possessions, including cash in hand, a silver 'kamandal'&nbsp;(water pot) weighing 2 kg, gold and silver jewellery and the silver-coated brick, stood at Rs 4,44,224, according to the affidavit submitted along with her nomination papers to election authorities here Tuesday.

The silver-coated brick, weighing 150 grams, is worth Rs 7,000 and has Lord Rama engraved on it, the document said.

The right-wing activist belongs to Lahar town in Bhind district of Madhya Pradesh and is a post-graduate from the Jiwaji University, Gwalior and also holds BP Ed (Bachelor of Physical Education) degree from the Barkatullah University, Bhopal, according to the affidavit.

The 49-year-old sadhvi has declared that a criminal case related to the 2008 blast case is registered against her at the Azad Nagar police station in Malegaon town of Nashik district in North Maharashtra.

The Bhopal police, on orders of the Election Commission (EC), has filed an FIR against Thakur for her remarks over the demolition of the Babri Masjid at Ayodhya in 1992. 
Thakur is contesting against Congress veteran Digvijaya Singh.

Voting in the Bhopal Lok Sabha constituency, which the BJP has been winning since 1989, will take place on May 12.&nbsp;

BJP Lok Sabha candidate from Bhopal Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur has declared assets worth more than Rs 4.44 lakh that includes a 150-gram silver-coated brick which has Lord Rama inscribed on it, according to her affidavit.

BJP Lok Sabha candidate from Bhopal Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur has declared assets worth more than Rs 4.44 lakh that includes a 150-gram silver-coated brick which has Lord Rama inscribed on it, according to her affidavit. Thakur, an accused in the 2008 Malegaon blast case currently on bail, has mentioned in her affidavit that she depends on alms and the society for her livelihood. The total value of her possessions, including cash in hand, a silver 'kamandal' (water pot) weighing 2 kg, gold and silver jewellery and the silver-coated brick, stood at Rs 4,44,224, according to the affidavit submitted along with her nomination papers to election authorities here Tuesday. The silver-coated brick, weighing 150 grams, is worth Rs 7,000 and has Lord Rama engraved on it, the document said. The right-wing activist belongs to Lahar town in Bhind district of Madhya Pradesh and is a post-graduate from the Jiwaji University, Gwalior and also holds BP Ed (Bachelor of Physical Education) degree from the Barkatullah University, Bhopal, according to the affidavit. The 49-year-old sadhvi has declared that a criminal case related to the 2008 blast case is registered against her at the Azad Nagar police station in Malegaon town of Nashik district in North Maharashtra. The Bhopal police, on orders of the Election Commission (EC), has filed an FIR against Thakur for her remarks over the demolition of the Babri Masjid at Ayodhya in 1992. Thakur is contesting against Congress veteran Digvijaya Singh. Voting in the Bhopal Lok Sabha constituency, which the BJP has been winning since 1989, will take place on May 12.

Silver-coated brick among Rs 4.44 lakh assets owned by Pragya Singh Thakur

BJP cadres thrashed an NCP worker at the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) office here after he allegedly showed black flags to Pragya Singh Thakur, the BJP Lok Sabha candidate from Bhopal, during her roadshow.

Visuals show the BJP workers raising slogans and slapping the NCP worker, following which he was taken away by the police from the SDM office.

Earlier today, Thakur, who is contesting against senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh, held a roadshow in Bhopal. She had filed her nomination papers from the seat yesterday.

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Madhya Pradesh: BJP workers thrashed an NCP worker at SDM office in Bhopal after he allegedly showed black flags to Pragya Singh Thakur, BJP LS candidate from Bhopal, during her roadshow. <a href="https://t.co/WsbgIiThWD">pic.twitter.com/WsbgIiThWD</a>
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Thakur is among the seven accused facing trial in the Malegaon blast case, wherein six people were killed and a dozen others were injured when a bomb placed on a motorcycle exploded in Maharashtra's Malegaon on September 29, 2008.

On April 17, Thakur had formally joined the BJP. The move invited criticism from several opposition leaders who have slammed the BJP for fielding a terror accused in the Lok Sabha elections.

Thakur courted controversy when she made remarks in reference to Babri Masjid demolition and late Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) chief Hemant Karkare.

Subsequently, the Election Commission (EC) took cognisance and issued notices to Thakur for violating the Model Code of Conduct (MCC).

Polling in Bhopal Lok Sabha constituency will be held on May 12 and counting of votes will take place on May 23.&nbsp;

BJP cadres thrashed an NCP worker at the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) office here after he allegedly showed black flags to Pragya Singh Thakur, the BJP Lok Sabha candidate from Bhopal, during her roadshow.

BJP cadres thrashed an NCP worker at the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) office here after he allegedly showed black flags to Pragya Singh Thakur, the BJP Lok Sabha candidate from Bhopal, during her roadshow. Visuals show the BJP workers raising slogans and slapping the NCP worker, following which he was taken away by the police from the SDM office. Earlier today, Thakur, who is contesting against senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh, held a roadshow in Bhopal. She had filed her nomination papers from the seat yesterday. Madhya Pradesh: BJP workers thrashed an NCP worker at SDM office in Bhopal after he allegedly showed black flags to Pragya Singh Thakur, BJP LS candidate from Bhopal, during her roadshow. pic.twitter.com/WsbgIiThWD — ANI (@ANI) April 23, 2019 × Thakur is among the seven accused facing trial in the Malegaon blast case, wherein six people were killed and a dozen others were injured when a bomb placed on a motorcycle exploded in Maharashtra's Malegaon on September 29, 2008. On April 17, Thakur had formally joined the BJP. The move invited criticism from several opposition leaders who have slammed the BJP for fielding a terror accused in the Lok Sabha elections. Thakur courted controversy when she made remarks in reference to Babri Masjid demolition and late Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) chief Hemant Karkare. Subsequently, the Election Commission (EC) took cognisance and issued notices to Thakur for violating the Model Code of Conduct (MCC). Polling in Bhopal Lok Sabha constituency will be held on May 12 and counting of votes will take place on May 23.

BJP cadres thrash NCP worker for showing black flags to Pragya Thakur

Malegaon blast accused and BJP candidate Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur on Monday filed her nomination papers from Bhopal Lok Sabha constituency.

Thakur, who is contesting against Congress leader Digvijay Singh, was accompanied by three supporters and her advocate.

Thakur is among the seven accused facing trial in the Malegaon blast case, wherein six people were killed and a dozen others were injured when a bomb placed on a motorcycle exploded in Maharashtra's Malegaon on September 29, 2008.

Earlier in the day, Bahujan Samaj Party supremo Mayawati hit out at the Election Commission of India (ECI) for not cancelling Thakur's nomination over her remarks on Babri Masjid.

Mayawati's response comes after Thakur on Sunday said that she is "proud" to accept that she was involved in the demolition of the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya.

"I have said it yesterday and I am not denying it that I had gone there. I have demolished Babri structure. He is my Ram ji and no one can stop me from making a grand Ram temple. The nation is Ram, Ram is a nation," she said.

"BJP candidate from Bhopal and Malegaon blast accused Sadhvi Pradnya claims that she is fighting a 'crusade'&nbsp;(dharmayudh). This is the real face of BJP and RSS which is constantly being exposed. But why is the Election Commission only issuing notices and not cancelling Thakur's candidature?" Mayawati wrote on her Twitter handle.

Mayawati further tweeted and accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of the downfall of the EC. "Regardless media's criticism, if the Election Commission is not acting fairly then it is a matter of great concern for the country's democracy and PM Modi is responsible for this downfall."

Bhopal District Election Officer on Sunday had issued a notice to Thakur and sought explanation within a day for her remark on the demolition of Babri Masjid in Ayodhya.

The Babri Masjid, built by Mughal emperor Babur in 1578 in Ayodhya, was on December 6, 1992, pulled down allegedly by a group of Hindu activists, claiming that the mosque was constructed after demolishing a Ram temple that stood there.

Polls in Bhopal will be held on May 12, and counting of votes will take place on May 23.&nbsp;

Malegaon blast accused and BJP candidate Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur on Monday filed her nomination papers from Bhopal Lok Sabha constituency. Thakur, who is contesting against Congress leader Digvijay Singh, was accompanied by three supporters and her advocate.

Malegaon blast accused and BJP candidate Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur on Monday filed her nomination papers from Bhopal Lok Sabha constituency. Thakur, who is contesting against Congress leader Digvijay Singh, was accompanied by three supporters and her advocate. Thakur is among the seven accused facing trial in the Malegaon blast case, wherein six people were killed and a dozen others were injured when a bomb placed on a motorcycle exploded in Maharashtra's Malegaon on September 29, 2008. Earlier in the day, Bahujan Samaj Party supremo Mayawati hit out at the Election Commission of India (ECI) for not cancelling Thakur's nomination over her remarks on Babri Masjid. Mayawati's response comes after Thakur on Sunday said that she is "proud" to accept that she was involved in the demolition of the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya. "I have said it yesterday and I am not denying it that I had gone there. I have demolished Babri structure. He is my Ram ji and no one can stop me from making a grand Ram temple. The nation is Ram, Ram is a nation," she said. "BJP candidate from Bhopal and Malegaon blast accused Sadhvi Pradnya claims that she is fighting a 'crusade' (dharmayudh). This is the real face of BJP and RSS which is constantly being exposed. But why is the Election Commission only issuing notices and not cancelling Thakur's candidature?" Mayawati wrote on her Twitter handle. Mayawati further tweeted and accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of the downfall of the EC. "Regardless media's criticism, if the Election Commission is not acting fairly then it is a matter of great concern for the country's democracy and PM Modi is responsible for this downfall." Bhopal District Election Officer on Sunday had issued a notice to Thakur and sought explanation within a day for her remark on the demolition of Babri Masjid in Ayodhya. The Babri Masjid, built by Mughal emperor Babur in 1578 in Ayodhya, was on December 6, 1992, pulled down allegedly by a group of Hindu activists, claiming that the mosque was constructed after demolishing a Ram temple that stood there. Polls in Bhopal will be held on May 12, and counting of votes will take place on May 23.

Pragya Singh Thakur files nomination from Bhopal Lok Sabha constituency

The father of one of the victims of the 2008 Malegaon blast moved the special NIA court here Thursday, urging it to bar prime accused Sadhvi <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/digvijaya-singh-needed-proper-challenger-bjps-ram-madhav-on-pragya-thakur-211565">Pragya Singh Thakur</a> from contesting the Lok Sabha election.

The application was filed by Nisar Sayeed, who lost his son in the blast, a day after the BJP fielded Thakur from the Bhopal Lok Sabha seat against Congress veteran Digvijay Singh.

Special National Investigation Agency cases judge V S Padalkar sought replies from both the NIA and Thakur and posted the matter for Monday.

The applicant sought that Thakur, who is out on bail, be asked to attend court proceedings in Mumbai and be barred from contesting the election as the trial is in progress.

It further mentioned that Thakur got bail on health grounds. If she was "healthy enough to fight elections in the crippling summers heat", then she has misled the court, the complainant alleged.&nbsp;

A petition seeking cancellation of her bail was pending before the Supreme Court, it said.

Six people were killed and over a hundred injured in a bomb blast at Malegaon, a communally-sensitive textile town in north Maharashtra, on September 29, 2008.

The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad arrested Thakur and others in the case, alleging that they were part of a Hindu extremist group which carried out the blast.

The NIA later gave Thakur a clean chit, but the court did not discharge Thakur.

It dropped charges against her under the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act, but she is still facing trial under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and Indian Penal Code sections.

The father of one of the victims of the 2008 Malegaon blast moved the special NIA court here Thursday, urging it to bar prime accused Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur from contesting the Lok Sabha election.

The father of one of the victims of the 2008 Malegaon blast moved the special NIA court here Thursday, urging it to bar prime accused Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur from contesting the Lok Sabha election. The application was filed by Nisar Sayeed, who lost his son in the blast, a day after the BJP fielded Thakur from the Bhopal Lok Sabha seat against Congress veteran Digvijay Singh. Special National Investigation Agency cases judge V S Padalkar sought replies from both the NIA and Thakur and posted the matter for Monday. The applicant sought that Thakur, who is out on bail, be asked to attend court proceedings in Mumbai and be barred from contesting the election as the trial is in progress. It further mentioned that Thakur got bail on health grounds. If she was "healthy enough to fight elections in the crippling summers heat", then she has misled the court, the complainant alleged. A petition seeking cancellation of her bail was pending before the Supreme Court, it said. Six people were killed and over a hundred injured in a bomb blast at Malegaon, a communally-sensitive textile town in north Maharashtra, on September 29, 2008. The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad arrested Thakur and others in the case, alleging that they were part of a Hindu extremist group which carried out the blast. The NIA later gave Thakur a clean chit, but the court did not discharge Thakur. It dropped charges against her under the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act, but she is still facing trial under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and Indian Penal Code sections.

Malegaon victim's father asks court to ban Sadhvi from contesting polls

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