PUNE/NEW DELHI: The controversial remarks by Union Minister for Minority Affairs Abdul Rahman Antulay in New Delhi on Tuesday of his suspecting foul play into the killing of Maharashtra Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) chief Hemant Karkare in the Nov. 26 terrorist attacks in Mumbai and his doubts whether Karkare was indeed killed by the terrorists, was harshly criticized by the Maharashtra leader of the opposition and Shiv Sena legislator Ramdas Kadam at a joint Sena-BJP press conference in Nagpur yesterday.

Kadam demanded that Antulay should be arrested under the draconian Maharashtra Control of Organized Crime Act. (MCOCA) for making defamatory and anti-national statement against Karkare.

On Wednesday, Antulay told the media in New Delhi that “There is more than what meets the eyes” in the killing of Karkare, as the slain officer was investigating some cases in which “there are non-Muslims also,” and “somebody wanted Karkare killed.”

Antulay demanded a probe into this by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). He alleged that Karkare instead of being sent to the Taj and Oberoi hotels where the terrorists were involved in the attack was sent to Cama hospital, as somebody who knew both the ends sent him in the wrong direction, in a plan to kill him. Antulay was referring to that “somebody” and “non-Muslims” to the Hindu terrorists arrested by the ATS in connection with the Malegaon blasts in September.

Maharashtra assembly proceedings were adjourned thrice amid uproarious scenes yesterday with a belligerent opposition seeking a discussion over Antulay’s controversial remarks. Refusing to accept the government explanation that Antulay’s statement was his personal opinion, angry Shiv Sena-Bharatiya Janata Party legislators insisted on a debate on the issue under Rule 57 (adjournment motion).

Speaker Babasaheb Kupekar had to adjourn the house thrice as irate opposition members created bedlam incessantly, with many of them rushing into the well of the house, demanding suspension of question hour and all other business to hold discussion on the issue through an adjournment motion.

Though the demand was not conceded, Maharashtra Home Minister Jayant Patil categorically reiterated his previous day’s statement that Karkare and his two associates Ashok Kamte and Vijay Salaskar died in firing by Ajmal Kasab’s accomplice Ismail.

Speaking on behalf of the BJP, senior party leader and legislator Eknath Khadse said that it is important that the resolution condemning Antulay for his statement, tabled in the assembly is passed unanimously. Antulay, he alleged is being shielded by the Congress party.

Antulay remained unfazed by the furor raised in both Houses of Parliament yesterday. With Antulay’s remarks suggesting involvement of saffron brigade in Karkare’s death, legislators belonging to the opposition raised objections in both Houses of Parliament.

In the Lok Sabha, Santosh Gangwar of the BJP said: “By his irresponsible statement, Antulay has created a problem for the country. We want to know on what basis he has made these observations. We want the Prime Minister to clarify.” Amid cries of “shame, shame,” Adityanath Yogi said (BJP): “How can the minister make such a statement? We want his resignation.”

The issue was raised in the same manner in the Rajya Sabha too. Opposition members demanded Antulay’s dismissal from the Cabinet and a statement from Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on his controversial remarks.

At this, External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee said in the Lok Sabha: “Please have patience. The government will make a statement either tomorrow or before the House adjourns on Dec. 23.”

But Antulay said: “I owe explanation to none. I have not said anything which has embarrassed the government and the Congress party. In fact, I have helped the government.”

Antulay denied reports of his having written any letter of explanation or having met either Singh or Congress chief Sonia Gandhi. On demands made for his removal, Antulay replied: “If I come to know I have embarrassed the government, then you know my nature is not to stick to positions. I don’t think I have embarrassed the government.” He felt “pity” over BJP’s demand for his removal, Antulay said.

— With input from Nilofar Suhrawardy