Congress Under Fire as Silence Deepens Over Malegaon Blast Verdict Fallout

politically charged aftermath of the Malegaon blast verdict, the Congress party finds itself cornered by mounting criticism over its conspicuous silence. The special NIA court’s acquittal of all seven accused in the 2008 Malegaon bombing has reignited debates around past narratives and political accountability.

The verdict, delivered nearly 17 years after the tragic explosion near a mosque in Malegaon, Nashik, which claimed six lives and injured over 100, has stirred intense reactions across the political spectrum. While BJP leaders hailed the judgment as a vindication of their long-standing stance, Congress leaders have largely refrained from direct comment, triggering backlash from both allies and adversaries.

Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi deflected questions, emphasizing broader national issues over the verdict. His response, viewed by many as evasive, has drawn sharp rebukes from BJP spokespersons who accuse the Congress of fabricating the “saffron terror” narrative for political mileage.

Former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Digvijaya Singh reiterated that terrorism should not be linked to any religion, stating, “Na Hindu aatankvaadi ho sakta hai, na Musalman.” Yet, critics argue that such statements sidestep the core issue—Congress’s earlier framing of the case and its implications.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy CM Eknath Shinde have openly condemned the Congress, alleging that the party used the case to malign the Hindu community. Celebratory reactions from BJP cadres, including supporters of Sadhvi Pragya and Col Purohit, underscore the emotional weight of the verdict.

Meanwhile, Congress leaders like Harshwardhan Sapkal have questioned the government’s consistency, demanding an appeal against the verdict just as it did in the 7/11 Mumbai train blasts case. The party’s internal dilemma—balancing secular credentials with accusations of bias—appears to have led to strategic silence.

The Malegaon case, once a flashpoint in national discourse, now stands as a mirror to the political narratives that shaped it. As the dust settles, the Congress’s muted response continues to raise questions about its ideological clarity and electoral strategy.

With public sentiment polarized and political stakes high, the party’s next move could redefine its position in the evolving landscape of national politics.