Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav on Thursday raised concerns over the timing of the Malegaon blast case acquittals, questioning whether the verdict was used to divert public attention from the major development of the United States imposing 25 per cent tariffs on Indian imports.
Speaking to reporters in the national capital, Yadav said, “I haven’t read the full verdict, but those accused in such a serious case should face justice. The bigger question is — was this news released now to suppress the bigger headline coming from America? The tariff issue is serious and must not be ignored.”
The NIA Special Court in Mumbai on the same day acquitted all seven accused in the 2008 Malegaon blast case, stating that the prosecution failed to prove the charges beyond reasonable doubt. The blast had killed six people and injured 95 in the communally sensitive town of Malegaon in Maharashtra.
Simultaneously, former US President Donald Trump announced on his platform Truth Social that the US would impose 25% tariffs on Indian goods starting August 1. He also warned of an additional penalty in response to India’s continued purchases of Russian oil and defence equipment.
In his statement, Trump wrote: “India has some of the highest tariffs and most obnoxious non-monetary trade barriers in the world… They buy most of their military equipment from Russia and remain one of Russia’s biggest energy buyers. Starting August 1st, India will pay a 25% tariff, plus a penalty. Thank you.”
Akhilesh Yadav also expressed concern over national security and India’s economic vulnerabilities, particularly with regard to China.
“Our neighbouring country China poses a serious threat. They are not just encroaching on our land but also taking away our business. The government needs to be cautious,” he added.
Yadav’s remarks came amid growing opposition criticism of the Modi government’s handling of foreign policy, economic challenges, and national security concerns.
