'A Terrorist Is A Terrorist And Should Be Treated As One': Congress On Release Of AG Perarivalan

Surjewala said that the question is not about Rajiv Gandhi, but about a prime minister who was assassinated, adding that every person fighting against terrorism has been hurt today.

New Delhi: Condemning the release of AG Perarivalan, one of the convicts in Rajiv Gandhi’s assassination case, the Congress on Wednesday slammed the government for creating a "situation" in the court to get a former prime minister's killer released over "cheap politics". According to a report by news agency PTI, Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said that every citizen who believes in India is "deeply pained" over his release.

“A terrorist is a terrorist and should be treated as one. Today, we are deeply pained and disappointed at the decision of the Supreme Court ordering the release of Rajiv Gandhi's assassin,” PTI quoted Surjewala as saying.

“Today is a sad day for the country. There is a sorrow and fury not only in every Congress worker, but in every Indian who believes in India and Indianness, who believes in fighting against extremism and every force that challenges the sovereignty and integrity of India,” he further said.

Condemning the decision of the apex court, Surjewala said that the question is not about Rajiv Gandhi, but about a prime minister who was assassinated, adding that every person fighting against terrorism has been hurt today.

"Rajiv ji had sacrificed his life for the country, not for the Congress. And if today's government creates a situation in the court to get his killers released for their petty and cheap politics, then it is very unfortunate and it is condemnable,” he said, adding, "We condemn this in the strongest possible way. All Indians must see what kind of governments are in power today and what is their attitude towards extremism is.”

Notably, by exercising its power under Article 142 of the Constitution, the Supreme Court on Wednesday ordered the release of AG Perarivalan, who served over 30 years in jail in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case.

The verdict was pronounced by three-bench justice of the Supreme Court including Justices Nageswara Rao, BR Bavai and AS Bopanna.

The Supreme Court bench also said, "There cannot be any inexplicable delay while exercising Article 161 and it can be subjected to judicial review. The Governor is a mere handle and we are not impressed to remand back the matter to him."