Shiv Sena MP Milind Deora Condemns Linking Terrorism to Religion After Malegaon Verdict

By A Staff Reporter

In the wake of the Special NIA Court’s verdict acquitting all accused in the 2008 Malegaon blast case, Shiv Sena MP Milind Deora has spoken out strongly against associating terrorism with any religion. His comments add to a growing number of political reactions to the high-profile verdict, which has reignited debate over how terrorism cases are handled and discussed in India’s political discourse.

Speaking in Delhi, Deora said, “It is wrong to link terrorism with any religion. Many years ago, when some leaders used words like 'saffron terror', 'bhagwa terror', or 'Hindu terror', I condemned it then, and I am condemning it even today.”

He went on to express appreciation for the NIA Court’s handling of terror cases, including the Malegaon blast and the 2006 Mumbai train blasts. “The special Court of NIA got justice for the people in these cases, for which I thank them,” he said.

Deora further criticized what he described as political exploitation of national security issues. “Doing politics on India's national security is the worst kind of politics in this country,” he added, suggesting that some elements in the opposition celebrate events like terror attacks or foreign-imposed tariffs as a means to target the government.