Shinde: No politics behind Guru’s hanging

Mumbai, May 24

Former Union Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde today rejected National Conference leader Omar Abdullah’s claim that Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru was hanged for “political reasons” by the UPA government.

“The SC had given the decision. The case had gone against him (Afzal) in the SC. Mercy petition was also rejected. The decision (to hang Afzal) was taken after all these developments. It was not a political decision,” Shinde said.

Asked what must have prompted Abdullah, who was the CM of the troubled state when the hanging took place, to make such remarks now, Shinde said, “He may be wanting to indulge in politics in Kashmir. But at that time, he never brought such an aspect to our notice.” — PTI