BJP defends Varun, attacks Madani

Despite the fact that the Bharatiya Janata Party continued to maintain that it has nothing to do with Varun Gandhi's  allegedly provocative speech and the consequent Election Commission's action against the young leader, the BJP leadership again supported young Gandhi's credentials on Thursday.

"I want to know why the EC did not take any action against Abdul Nasser Madani. Madani was involved in the bomb blast (in Coimbatore) in which scores of people were killed. Advaniji had a providential escape. But this man was let off," BJP leader Balbir Punj told media persons at a press conference in New Delhi on Thursday.

"The Communist Party of India-Marxist General Secretary Prakash Karat was one of those who was involved in ensuring that Madani was acquitted of all charges. Now Madani is contesting elections with the association of Kerala CPI-M leader Pinarai Vijayan," Punj added.

"The question arises why the CPI-M is so bent upon genuflecting before the People's Democratic Party leader whom even the Communist Party of India has described as communal," he said.

Punj wanted the EC to take suo moto action against Madani and prevent him from contesting the election because of his controversial background.

"Varun Gandhi may be accused of an extremist view, but his crime was much smaller and its not even established as the CD used against him itself appeares to be doctored," Punj said.

The party also announced that it would use the auspicious occasion of 'Varsh Pratipada' (new year) on Friday to mount a massive poll campaign simultaneously in five cities by its top national leaders.

"BJP's prime ministerial candidate Lal Krishna Advani and Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi will address a public rally in Gandhinagar in Gujarat while party president Rajnath Singh will address another rally at Jammu, senior leader M Venkaiah Naidu at Bengaluru, General Secretary Arun Jaitley at Gaya in Bihar and senior leader Sushma Swaraj in Bhopal," Punj informed.