Mumbai: BJP & Shiv Sena trade charges on meet with 1993 blasts convict Yakub Memon kin

MUMBAI: The controversy over the alleged 'beautification' of 1993 blasts convict Yakub Memon's grave took a new turn on Saturday with BJP and Shiv Sena accusing each other of posing for photos with and knowing accused Tiger Memon and Yakub's relative Rauf Memon.
A video of Sena ex-mayor Kishori Pednekar and Rauf Memon in a meeting went viral, and Pednekar responded by posting Rauf's photos with Dy CM Devendra Fadnavis and Governor B S Koshyari. Officials said Pednekar's video was from a meeting regarding south Mumbai's Bada Kabrastan in 2021. Pednekar denied links with Rauf. "BJP is trying to blow the issue out of proportion.
During my tenure as mayor, I also visited temples, gurdwaras, Jain temples, and mosques after receiving complaints that water was flooded and power supply cut off in some places. Yashwant Jadhav who was in Shiv Sena at that time was also present. He had brought the complaint to my notice. We had a meeting. Municipal officials were also present. Many people are present... I didn't know who all were there," she said.
Posting Rauf's photos with Fadnavis and Koshyari, Pednekar said, "Those from BJP who accuse others should caption this photo." BJP MLA Atul Bhatkhalkar alleged trustees of Bada Kabrastan were threatened in the name of Tiger Memon. "The matter was reported. But then CM Uddhav Thackeray did not take action. The trustees complained to Nawab Malik who was then minister. But no action was taken. Orders came from Dubai to decorate the tomb. No inquiry was ordered," Bhatkhalkar said, demanding a probe in a letter to Fadnavis. Fadnavis said, "We've seen who gives protection to convicts. His (terrorist's) companions who were made ministers are in jail. "