Parties rally around Kulbhushan Jadhav, slam Pak
Mumbai: After Pakistan announced that Kulbhushan Jadhav, an Indian naval officer, accused of espionage by them, has been sentenced to death, politicians and partyworkers across party lines have rallied around in the city. Angry protesters burnt Pakistan’s national flag on the streets at Dadar, Mulund and Parel on Tuesday.
The Bharatiya Janata Party's Mumbai unit even initiated a signature campaign condemning Pakistan’s decision, and seeking the release of Mr Jadhav. Sensing the mood of the people, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis gave an assurance that he would talk to Minister for external affairs Sushma Swaraj. Meanwhile, Mr Jadhav’s family has reached Delhi, while his residence in Powai wears a deserted look. India has warned Pakistan that that if the death sentence order was carried out, it would be perceived as a “premeditated murder”.
Mumbai BJP chief Ashish Shelar met the CM on Tuesday morning and demanded an action from Maharashtra government in the matter. “We expect Maharashtra government to talk to External Affairs minister Sushma Swaraj and communicate the state’s full support to Mr Jadhav,” said Mr Shelar.
Congress workers from Maharashtra also started a signature campaign in support of Mr Jadhav. The Congress will handover the memorandum with all the signatures to the district collectors. MPCC president Ashok Chavan has asked the state government to intervene in the matter. “We need to aggressively put pressure on Pakistan. The Union government has already lost plenty of precious time,” said Mr Chavan.
On Tuesday morning, MNS workers led by MNS leader Sandeep Deshpande tried to set ablaze Pakistan's national flags in Shivaji Park, Dadar but they were detained by the police.
Meanwhile, the Mumbai police has withdrawn the security cover provided to Mr Jadhav’s residence in Powai. “We had provided the security outside the building yesterday as people flocked there and there was crowd,” said Bhai Mahadeshwar, senior inspector of Powai police station.