Raipur: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Rajnath Singh on Wednesday asserted that Varun Gandhi was being "politically and legally" supported by the party. He accused the Congress and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) of "exploiting" the National Security Act (NSA) to "trap" the BJP nominee in Pilibhit in the Lok Sabha polls.
"What is happening with Varun Gandhi is unfortunate. He is being harassed and the BJP condemns it," Rajnath Singh said at a press conference in Raipur.
The 'other' Gandhi, the BJP nominee from the Utar Pradesh Lok Sabha seat, is now in jail on charges of vilifying Muslims in his campaign speeches.
"The information I have been getting from Varun Gandhi's secretary is very disturbing. The episode is a shame for the nation. The BSP and Congress are trying to trap him," Rajnath Singh said.
"I wanted to personally meet Varun Gandhi but he is jailed in Uttar Pradesh and I am campaigning in other states. So I have asked Venkaiah Naidu to meet him and express the party's support. The BJP is politically and legally rallying behind Varun Gandhi," the BJP President said.
"His detention under the NSA is shameful. It is the joint act of the Congress and BSP. Where do they want to lead the country?" asked Rajnath Singh.
The Uttar Pradesh government had on Sunday invoked the NSA against Varun Gandhi, the BJP's Lok Sabha candidate from the seat held earlier by his mother Maneka Gandhi, for his reported hate speeches and mob violence during his arrest on Saturday.
"The Congress and BSP have created an Emergency-like situation by exploiting the NSA. Varun Gandhi has no criminal record," said the BJP President.
For reasons of security, Varun Gandhi was shifted from the prison in Pilibhit to a jail in Uttar Pradesh's Etah town at around 1:30 hrs IST on Wednesday.
"There is a threat to Varun Gandhi's life. The centre, Uttar Pradesh government and Election Commission should take note of this and ensure foolproof security for him," said Rajnath Singh.
"The Congress and BSP have crossed all limits to gain political mileage. They are playing with fire. The BJP will not remain quiet," he added.
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