Shiv Sena, Pawar question claim about plot to assassinate PM

The ruling BJP's ally Shiv Sena and NCP chief Sharad Pawar have mocked and questioned Maharashtra government's claim that Maoists were plotting to assassinate Prime Minister Narendra Modi, terming it as "laughable" and a story of a horror film.

While the Shiv Sena said the claim "does not seem to be legitimate", Pawar said the BJP was playing the "threat letter card" to gain sympathy.

The comments came over a claim by Maharashtra police that Maoists were plotting assassination of the prime minister as well as Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

The police, after arresting five people with alleged maoist links last week, had said that a letter was seized from the house of one of them in which there was a suggestion about assassinating Modi in "Rajiv Gandhi-type incident".

".. the plot to assassinate them (Modi and Fadnavis) seems mysterious and the story of a horror film," said an editorial in Sena mouthpiece 'Saamna', while noting that a letter purportedly suggesting this has come to light.

It said the issue is being milked for political purpose.

Quoting contents of the purported Maoist letter, the editorial said, "Modi has succeeded in forming governments in 15 states. If this continues, the organisation will be in trouble. And thus, Modi should be eliminated. All this was revealed by the police which seems laughable."
It added, "This conspiracy does not seem to be legitimate, is what being said by the experts."