BJP reprimands Digvijaya, says Cong wants to divide nation in name of religion

The Bharatiya Janata party (BJP) on Tuesday condemned former Madhya Pradesh chief minister Digvijaya Singh's remark on the encounter of SIMI terrorists after their escape from the high-security jail in Bhopal and wondered whether the Congress, which divided the nation, now wants to create divide on the basis of religion in the war against terrorism.

BJP leader Nalin Kohli said such statements are unfortunate at a time when the nation is suffering because of Pakistan sponsored terrorism.

"When the whole nation is suffering from Pakistan sponsored terrorism. Our Armed forces, our police forces are fighting against it and are getting martyred and at this time we condemn the statement of Digvijaya Singh. And I would like to ask that the Congress Party, which divided the nation, will it now even create divide on the basis of religion in this fight against terrorism," said Kohli.

Questioning the authenticity of the encounter video, the Congress leader earlier in the day asked as to what is the reason that only Muslims break out of jail and not Hindus while stating that he was against all those playing politics in the name of religion.

The Congress general secretary stated that he had put ban on the SIMI when he was the chief minister of Madhya Pradesh.

"I was the first Chief Minister to put ban on the SIMI. Rajnath Singh was then the chief minister of Uttar Pradesh...he did not put the ban. Other controvertist Hindu organisations like the Bajrang Dal along with the SIMI used to ensure that riots take place. I had proofs and based on that the NDA put the ban on SIMI," he told ANI in Vijaywada.

"I don't have love either for SIMI or Bajrang Dal. I am against all those who create ruckus and play politics in the name of religion. Owaisi ji is also included in that," he added.

The Congress leader stated that the cases of the SIMI terrorists were taken back in 2011 during the BJP's rule in Madhya Pradesh.

"Some SIMI terrorists escaped from jail in Khandwa in 2013. In 2014, the Madhya Pradesh Chief Secretary was informed that they may attempt to run away from the jail. On October 31, 2016, eight SIMI terrorists ran away from jail. Now, what is the reason that only Muslims break out of jail and not Hindus," he added.

Eight terrorists of the banned group SIMI, who escaped from the Bhopal Central Jail after killing a guard yesterday morning, were gunned down in an encounter by the state police.