In a big change of stance, Gujarat CM Narendra Modi’s government has endorsed the SIT’s decision to seek death sentence for former Minister Maya Kodnani and Bajrang Dal leader Babu Bajrangi in connection with the 2002 Naroda Patiya riot case, which claimed 97 lives.
Dr. Maya Kodnani was sentenced to 28 years in jail, while Babu Bajrangi was sentenced to life. Eight others were awarded 31-year jail term, while 22 others got 24 years’ imprisonment.
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Maya Kodnani has already moved the Gujarat High Court, seeking bail and the suspension of sentence till her appeal is decided upon. Babu Bajrangi was granted a temporary bail of two days, as his wife is undergoing a surgery.
Modi’s strategy of supporting death sentence for Maya and Bajrangi, is seen as a smart move to counter his critics and negate the tirade launched by Nitish Kumar on him. Modi is certainly looking beyond Gujarat and the latest move can be seen as the first step towards his Delhi plan.