Gujarat Riots Convict Helps Daughter, A BJP Candidate, Boost Her Campaign

Ahmedabad:

Ruling BJP in Gujarat has raked up fairly an argument by fielding Naroda Patiya bloodbath case convict’s daughter Payal Kukrani from the Naroda seat within the forthcoming Meeting elections. Now NDTV has came upon that the life-term convict, Manoj Kukrani, helps his daughter handle her election marketing campaign. Manoj was out on non permanent bail a number of occasions till 2016, when he acquired common bail. 

Earlier, BJP discovered itself within the eye of a storm by fielding Chandrasinh Raulji from the Godhra constituency. Raulji had referred to the convicts within the Bilkis Bano case as “Sanskari Brahmins” and was a part of a Gujarat authorities committee that had granted remission to the convicts serving life phrases.

Payal, an anaesthetist by career with no political expertise, has changed Balram Thawani, the sitting BJP MLA from Naroda, because the celebration’s candidate. Opposition events allege that that is additional proof that she was picked by the BJP purely to reward riot convicts.

Manoj was warmly greeted by Mr Thawani and BJP celebration staff throughout campaigning.

There was no response from the BJP when NDTV reached out for feedback.

Many have discovered it stunning that BJP has fielded Payal from the exact same constituency the place the Naroda Patiya bloodbath came about. Her father was considered one of 32 individuals convicted in 2012 on fees of being a part of a mob that killed 97 individuals in Naroda through the 2002 Gujarat riots.

In accordance with his neighbours, Manoj has principally been out of jail on interim bail ever since his conviction.

When requested about her father’s position in her marketing campaign, Payal mentioned her household has challenged his father’s conviction in court docket.

“My father has been an skilled politician. I do not need to touch upon my father’s conviction as a result of we now have appealed towards it within the Supreme Courtroom. We’re nonetheless combating it, however all I can let you know is that my father, mom and all BJP leaders are serving to me in my election marketing campaign and we are going to win on the difficulty of improvement,” Payal mentioned.

Different relations additionally mentioned Manoj did not do something unsuitable. Manoj’s brother, Dr Puroshottam Harvani, mentioned: “Manoj acquired convicted for no fault of his. He was simply there. He did not do something unsuitable. His identify was dragged into it, that is why he is struggling.”

Referring to the Naroda Patya bloodbath, he added: “Public does not care in regards to the age-old incident; public cares about Modi ji and his improvement.”

Taking a swipe on the BJP over its selection of candidate, Omprakash, the Aam Aadmi Celebration (AAP) candidate from Naroda, mentioned: “BJP should have thought that Manoj Kukrani had contributed for the celebration by instigating the Naroda Patiya bloodbath and he supplied a giant sacrifice by going to jail for it. So, a reward should be given to him. That is why his spouse is a BJP corporator and his daughter Payal, who has by no means been in politics, is now a candidate for MLA.”

In 2018, Gujarat Excessive Courtroom upheld the conviction of 12 individuals, together with Manoj Kukrani and Bajrang Dal chief Babu Bajrangi, within the 2002 Naroda Patiya bloodbath case.

Manoj appealed towards the excessive Courtroom order within the Supreme Courtroom. His enchantment trial continues to be pending, owing to which, he continues to be out on bail.