CPI(M) Polit Bureau has issued the following statement on April 20.

THE Polit Bureau of the CPI(M) strongly condemns the unseemly act of the BJP and the prime minister over the nomination of Pragya Singh Thakur as the candidate for Bhopal Lok Sabha constituency.  It is well-known that she was an accused and named in several chargesheets in terror related cases. She is still facing trial under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act in the Malegaon blast case.

Despite that, the BJP has fielded her, which completely betrays their rhetoric of opposing terrorism.  She has herself further exposed the obnoxious nature of her platform by going hammer and tong against the then ATS chief, Hemant Karkare, who laid down his life in the line of duty during the ISI-sponsored terror attack in Mumbai on September 26, 2008.

The vilification of the martyr has justifiably led to widespread criticism, including the IPS association of the country.  However, the prime minister himself brazenly justified her nomination by projecting her as the symbol of thousands of years of religious, philosophical and civilisational values.  Rarely have we seen a constitutional functionary being so brazen in the politicisation of an alleged criminal activity. It is clear that with increasing disquiet of the people over the livelihood crisis, the BJP and the prime minister in their state of desperation are indulging in a no-holds barred attempt to polarise the electorate. 

The Polit Bureau condemns this attempt at vitiating the election atmosphere and subversion of the rule of law and the constitutional order.  We appeal to the people to defeat these nefarious attempts through their rejection in the election.