Shocking: Pune German Bakery blast convict to contest election?

Mumbai, March 25: What can be more shocking than the news that a terror attack convict is going to contest Lok Sabha election which has been scheduled to begin from April 7.

Bahujan Mukti Party (BMP) reportedly gave ticket to Mirza Himayat Baig, a convicted prisoner and key accused of Pune German bakery blast case. BMP decided that Baig will contest from Aurangabad, Maharashtra.

While senior lawyers like Nandu Phadke, SK Jain protested against BMP's latest decision, Baig's lawyers defended the decision urging the Election Commission of India to consider this as a special case.

Baig's lawyer Mehmood Pracha was quoted as saying, "Even though he is convicted but the election commission must consider his case as a special one. Of the four investigation agencies, three investigation agencies like National Investigation Agency (NIA), Bangalore crime branch and Delhi Police special cell have not found anything on him. It's only Maharashtra ATS which claims he is an accused. Now that he is given clean chit, his case must be considered in fresh manner."

Continuing his statement, the lawyer also added, "If the Election Commission reject his nomination we will approach court in this regard."

If EC reject his nomination, we will approach the court regarding this: Lawyer

Meanwhile, BMP President VL Matang, said, "Many minority youths like Baig have run away from the city under the pretext that they could be arrested in false terrorist cases. Many Muslims from Aurangabad will support him and it's not a question of winning or losing in this election."

Reacting strongly against BMP, Nandu Phadke was quoted as saying, "No convict can contest elections. As per the judgement of Supreme Court it mentions that a person who is convicted and confined for more than three years is not liable for election. Earlier any person who is convicted used to claim that he has went into appeal against the conviction and contest elections but now they still remain a convict until acquittal."

Another lawyer SK Jain said, "Baig is a convict and this is a publicity stunt only. Baig is an accused and that also convicted with death sentence in sedition against India. Hence it is not possible that he would be allowed to contest elections."

OneIndia News