The funeral of S.A. Basha, the prime accused in the 1998 Coimbatore bomb blasts, has sparked controversy across the nation. Basha, who was convicted for orchestrating the series of explosions that killed 58 people and injured 239 others, recently passed away on April 24, 2024, after being released on parole due to poor health.
The blasts, which targeted former Deputy Prime Minister L.K. Advani, were linked to the Al-Umma organization led by Basha. After a lengthy trial, Basha was sentenced to life imprisonment, a verdict upheld by both the Madras High Court and the Supreme Court.
What has drawn criticism is the large turnout at his funeral, with thousands attending to pay their respects. The event saw the participation of prominent leaders, including NTK leader Seeman, Tamil Nadu government functionary Vanni Arasu, MLA P. Abdul Samad, and U. Thaniyarasu, reportedly a close associate of Rahul Gandhi.
Opponents have accused the DMK-Congress alliance of glorifying a convicted terrorist by allowing a grand funeral procession. Critics argue that such actions undermine the fight against terrorism and politicize religious sentiments.
The incident has reignited debates around communal politics, terrorism, and the role of political alliances in addressing these sensitive issues. The BJP and its supporters have pointed to the incident as an example of appeasement politics, accusing the opposition of siding with individuals linked to terrorism.
The controversy continues to fuel a polarising political discourse in the country.
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