BJP leader Subramanian Swamy backs hanging of Yakub Memon

Controversial BJP leader Subramanian Swamy has backed the hanging of 1993 Mumbai blasts accused Yakub Memon. 

Commenting on the issue that has set off a debate in political circles, Swamy said that 170 people have been given the death sentence since Indian Independence in 1947. He said out of these, only 15 were Muslims.

Using these statistics, Swamy questioned the Indian government whether it was biased against Hindus. 

On Sunday, Bollywood actor Salman Khan aroused controversy by claiming that it is Tiger Memon, not Yakub Memon, who deserves to be hanged. On Friday, MIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi had claimed that Yakub was being hanged because he was a Muslim. 

The Supreme Court had earlier dismissed Memon's curative petition, and his hanging is set for July 30. A number of prominent personalities, including CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat, Bollywood personality Naseeruddin Shah, lawyer Ram Jethmalani and some politicians have sent a petition to the President to consider the mercy plea of Yakub Memon.