New Delhi, May 16: With BJP's Bhopal Lok Sabha candidate Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur striking row by calling Nathuram Godse a 'Deshbhakt', Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi had questioned how Thakur's statement by asking 'If Godse was a Deshbhakt, then who was Mahatma Gandhi?'

Expressing her ire, Gandhi took to Twitter and wrote, "Bapu's murderer a Patriot? Hey Ram", adding, "Distancing yourself from your candidate is not enough. Nationalistic luminaries of the BJP, have the guts to spell out your stand." Pragya Singh Thakur Triggers Fresh Row, Says 'Nathuram Godse Was a Patriot And Will Remain So'; Watch Video

Here's the Tweet:

Earlier, BJP distanced itself from Thakur's comment stating that these are not the party's views. BJP's GVL Narasimha Rao condemns Pragya Singh Thakur's statement on Nathuram Godse being a 'deshbhakt'. He said, "BJP does not agree with this statement, we condemn it. Party will ask her for clarification, she should apologise publicly for this statement."

Hours after realising the mistake, the Bhopal Lok Sabha candidate apologised and withdrew the statement. It is to be known that the controversy erupted after Thakur had said, "Nathuram Godse was a 'deshbhakt' (patriot), he is and will remain a 'deshbhakt'. Those calling him a terrorist should instead look at themselves. They will be given a befitting reply in this election." Pragya Singh Thakur Calls Nathuram Godse ‘Patriot’, Apologises Later and Retracts Statement

Previously too, Thakur stoked a controversy when she said that IPS officer Hemant Karkare had died during the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks as she had "cursed" him for torturing her. She had apologised for the controversial remark later and also retracted that statement.

In the meantime, Election Commission has sought a factual report from Chief Electoral Officer, Madhya Pradesh by tomorrow in the matter of Pragya Singh Thakur's statement on 'Nathuram Godse'.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 16, 2019 09:03 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).