Maharashtra Leader of Opposition and Congressman Vijay Wadettiwar stirred a hornet’s nest after he alleged that a police officer affiliated to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), and not terrorist Ajmal Amir Kasab, had killed former State Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) chief Hemant Karkare during the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks.
Mr. Wadettiwar’s remark drew sharp criticism from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and the Chief Minister Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, with ruling party leaders accusing Mr. Wadettiwar of driving Pakistan’s agenda and the Congress of trying to give a “clean chit” to Pakistan.
Mr. Wadettiwar had targeted high-profile lawyer Ujjwal Nikam, who has been fielded by the BJP as the Mahayuti’s candidate for the Mumbai North Central Lok Sabha seat, where he is pitted against the Congress Mumbai unit chief Varsha Gaikwad.
