In a contentious statement, Maharashtra Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar ignited a controversy by suggesting that police officer Hemant Karkare was not killed by terrorist Ajmal Kasab but by an RSS-affiliated officer during the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.
Wadettiwar's remarks, based on a book titled "Who Killed Karkare," authored by retired police officer SM Mushrif, drew sharp criticism from various quarters, including the BJP. BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawala accused the Congress of prioritizing vote bank politics over national interest, alleging that such statements provide a "clean chit" to Pakistan regarding the 26/11 attacks.
Eknath Shinde, Maharashtra's chief minister, and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis condemned Wadettiwar's statement, with Fadnavis highlighting a contrast between BJP's association with Ujjwal Nikam, the government's lawyer in the 26/11 case, and Congress's alleged alignment with Kasab.
Former Congress leader Milind Deora termed Wadettiwar's statement as "very shameful," emphasizing the pain experienced during the 2008 terror attacks. Deora also mentioned a book released by Congress leaders deflecting attention from Pakistan's involvement in the attacks, titled "26/11 RSS ki sazish."
The BJP's legal cell in Nagpur filed a complaint against Wadettiwar, labeling his remarks as "shameful and derogatory," while questioning Congress's support for controversial figures and their alleged disregard for national interest.