Naroda Patiya riot case: BJP elated, Congress says witness influenced

The Gujarat High Court judgement on Friday acquitting former minister Maya Kodnani has elated spirits in ruling BJP. Party leaders blamed the Congress for wrongfully indicting her in Naroda Patiya massacre.

Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel said that the High Court has done justice to Kodnani. "Our former minister Maya Kodnani was wrongfully implicated in the Naroda Patiya massacre case. But today she has been found innocent. We are happy with the verdict and welcome the decision. She has worked hard for the party and definitely will be given an active role in the party if she wishes to continue," he said.

The Congress, on the other hand, termed the ruling as a desperate attempt by the ruling party to influence the witness. "Arrogant rulers have realised that they will lose in 2019 elections. They are desperately trying to free BJP-supported criminals by tampering with evidence and influencing the witnesses," said Paresh Dhanani, the Leader of the Opposition in Gujarat Legislative Assembly.

State BJP chief Jitu Vaghani said, "The Congress is responsible for framing Maya Kodnani. It had wrongfully involved her in the case."