Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde declared the acquittal of all seven accused in the 2008 Malegaon blast case a resounding rebuke to the Congress party’s “saffron terror” narrative. The special court’s decision, delivered on Thursday, cleared former BJP MP Pragya Singh Thakur, Lt Col Prasad Purohit, and others, citing a lack of “reliable and cogent evidence” after a 17-year legal battle.

Special Judge A K Lahoti, overseeing National Investigation Agency (NIA) cases, highlighted significant flaws in the prosecution’s case, granting the accused the benefit of doubt. The blast, which killed six people, had been controversially linked to a Congress-driven narrative blaming Hindu groups. Shinde accused the Congress, in power at the time, of fabricating the “saffron terror” story to deflect attention from Pakistan-sponsored terrorism.

“This acquittal is a slap in the face of the Congress,” Shinde stated, demanding a public apology from the party. He also criticized the Shiv Sena (UBT) for aligning with Congress, accusing them of abandoning the Hindutva principles championed by Bal Thackeray. “The undivided Shiv Sena, under Uddhav Thackeray, forgot its roots. Even today, Sena (UBT) stays silent due to its alliance,” Shinde said, urging them to apologize alongside Congress.

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The Kalyan MP’s remarks underscore the political fallout of the verdict, which has reignited debates over the alleged misuse of investigative powers during the Congress-led government. The acquittal not only clears the accused but also challenges the narrative that shaped public discourse for nearly two decades.

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