Personal Law Board vice-president demands condemnation of Varsha Gaikwad's statement on 2006 Mumbai train blasts verdict

MUMBAI: All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) vice-President Maulana Obaidullah Khan Azmi has launched a scathing attack on Mumbai Congress President and MP Varsha Gaikwad over her response to the 2006 Bombay train blasts acquittals.In a strongly-worded letter, addressed to the Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and General Secretary K.C. Venugopal, ormer Rajya Sabha member Azmi has demanded immediate condemnation of Gaikwad's statements as it exposes deep tensions with the party's traditional Muslim voter base.Azmi, an influential figure in Muslim politics who served in Parliament from 1990 to 2008, accused Gaikwad of undermining the Congress's secular credentials by demanding an appeal in the Supreme Court against acquittals of the 12 accused by the Bombay High Court in the 2006 train bombings case.

The comprehensive 671-page judgment acquitted all 12 accused after 19 years of legal proceedings, citing the prosecution's complete failure to prove the case beyond reasonable doubt. The court delivered severe criticism of the original investigation, highlighting systemic incompetence, procedural lapses, and allegations of torture used to extract confessions, despite police submitting a massive 44,500-page charge sheet related to the July 11, 2006 attacks that killed over 180 people and injured more than 800 in seven coordinated train bombings.

The AIMPLB leader characterized Gaikwad's call for an appeal as "heartless" and reminiscent of "RSS-like ideologies," marking a significant escalation in intra-party conflict. He specifically targeted what he perceives as her "betrayal" of the Muslim community, noting her political career thrived on "unwavering Muslim support." Azmi argued that, instead of advocating for compassion or compensation for families who endured 19 years of wrongful imprisonment, Gaikwad aligned herself with "divisive narratives" that contradict Congress's commitment to fairness.

His letter warned that this stance risks alienating a vital electoral base, potentially forcing Muslim supporters to reconsider their trust in Congress leadership.The controversy erupted after Gaikwad publicly stated "all Mumbaikars feel deeply betrayed" by the acquittals and urged the state government to "put all its legal might" into challenging the verdict in the Supreme Court to deliver justice to victims' families.

These remarks drew immediate backlash from Muslim leaders who viewed them as a profound betrayal. The political fallout intensified when the Supreme Court stayed the Bombay High Court verdict on July 24, 2025, though clarifying the acquitted individuals wouldn't return to prison. This intervention followed the Maharashtra government's appeal, with Solicitor General Tushar Mehta expressing concern the verdict's observations could impact other cases under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA).Facing mounting criticism, Gaikwad later clarified her words were misconstrued, emphasizing her commitment to constitutional principles as a follower of B.R. Ambedkar. She stated she had questioned the government about compensation for the wrong fully imprisoned while also seeking justice for blast victims' families.However, sections of Muslim leaders remained unconvinced, arguing the damage was already done. Azmi's letter reflects broader concerns about the Congress party's commitment to secular principles and its ability to maintain minority trust in a polarized climate. The veteran politician warned that failure to address these issues could further erode the party's credibility and moral foundation, with senior leadership's response likely determining whether crucial Muslim voter support can be retained in future elections.