The BJP has levelled serious accusations against the Shiv Sena (UBT), alleging the presence of Iqbal Musa, also known as Baba Chauhan and accused in the 1993 Mumbai serial bomb blasts, at a Lok Sabha campaign rally for Shiv Sena (UBT) candidate Amol Kirtikar in Mumbai North West.
Maharashtra BJP president Chandrashekhar Bawankule condemned the incident, expressing deep concern over the purported involvement of a blast accused in a political rally.
He called upon Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray to address the matter, questioning the integrity of the rally and its implications on the legacy of Balasaheb Thackeray, who was renowned for safeguarding Mumbai after the 1993 blasts.
Bawankule further criticised the previous government led by Uddhav Thackeray, alleging that during his tenure as chief minister, efforts were made to glorify individuals like Yakub Memon, convicted for his role in the 1993 blasts, as well as Aurangzeb and Tipu Sultan, figures viewed unfavourably by many.
In response to the allegations, Amol Kirtikar defended himself, asserting that he had no personal acquaintance with Musa and that it was the responsibility of the state home department to ensure the exclusion of such individuals from political events.
Musa, on the other hand, denied any involvement in the rally, clarifying that he was present at the location to meet a corporator who had summoned him.
He refuted claims of association with Kirtikar and reiterated his innocence in the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts, asserting that he had been falsely implicated and served a decade in prison, but had been at home since 2016.
While the BJP's allegations have sparked controversy, the incident underscores the need for vigilance and scrutiny in political gatherings to prevent the involvement of individuals with contentious backgrounds, ensuring the integrity and credibility of the democratic process.
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