'Stand with Arnab': BJP leaders claim attack was 'Congress Italian mafia style terror'

"Arnab is a tiger, the voice of persecuted Hindus," tweeted BJP leader Tarun Vijay

arnab-goswami

BJP leaders across the country condemned the recent attack on Republic TV founder and editor Arnab Goswami, who alleged Congress leaders were behind the act. Republic World reported that the attack took place barely 500 metres away from Arnab's house as he was driving back following his show, with his wife and Republic TV Editor Samyabrata Ray Goswami in their Toyota Corolla. 

"The attack on Sri. Arnab Goswami by the the thugs of Sonia and Congress is highly condemnable. Arnab you pl go ahead in your fight for justice. We are with you. I am sure all the fair minded persons will stand by you," tweeted BJP leader H. Raja.

BJP national general secretary Ram Madhav wrote on Facebook, expressing support to Arnab. "Where are those ‘press freedomwalas’? Shocked to hear about the physical attack on Arnab Goswami. In public life, we all face criticisms. Disagreements are always welcome. We too disagree sometimes. But it is utterly cowardly to attempt to cause physical harm to people raising issues in national interest. I condemn the attack and hope those responsible would be punished."

"Republic TV editor Arnab Goswami & his wife were attacked a few minutes past midnight when they were returning from studio. Highly deplorable. If some in Mumbai thinks that FOE is somebody’s personal property they are mistaken," tweeted BJP national general secretary B.L. Santosh. 

BJP spokesperson G.V.L. Narasimha Rao tweeted: "Strongly deplore Congress goons' attack on Arnab Goswami. I was on last night's debate on communal lynching of Hindu Sants in Palghar. For asking questions on Congress's silence on heinous crime, Sonia Cong unleashes Italian mafia style terror. Shame on @INCIndia."

Tweeted BJP leader Tarun Vijay: "After Hindu Sadhus, it’s now #ArnabGoswami’s turn to be attacked. Everyone who supports Hindus in India meets this fate. #Arnab is a Tiger, the voice of persecuted Hindus. That’s the reason all cowards are herded to attack him. Stand up for truth and support #Arnabgoswami."

In a video, Goswami blamed Congress leaders for the attack, challening Congress president Sonia Gandhi and calling her a "coward". He could be heard saying in the video: "At around 12:15am, I was driving back from studio with my wife. My car was overtaken by two people in two bikes. They turned to me, pointed at me, they started hitting my car and trying to break the windowpane," he said. They were throwing some sort of liquid at the vehicle, he said. The attackers were accosted, and Goswami said the security personnel informed him they were Youth Congress workers sent specifically to assault him. "They had tailed me and they were given information by higher-ups to attack me. I want to tell you Sonia Gandhi, you are the biggest coward in the country right now. You have no guts to face me and I will hold you personally responsible. If anything were to happen to me, Sonia Gandhi will be responsible."

In a news discussion on the Palghar lynching of Hindu seers, Arnab had attacked Sonia Gandhi's silence, reportedly saying she was "happy" now and would not have been quiet if saints from minority community faced the attack. This had provoked criticism from numerous Congress leaders. Spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala alleging that it was "deeply disgraceful that PM & BJP eulogise this brand of TV anchors".