New Delhi, July 29 -- Communist Party of India (Marxist) MP John Brittas on Wednesday rallied behind Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's sharp comments against Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi, alleging that protecting individuals involved in unlawful activities has become a recurring pattern for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

"This is not something which is new. Many of the ministers in this government have been protecting those people who were participants in riots and unlawful activities in the name of supporting their BJP allies. So there is nothing new in that argument. I can dole out numerous cases," he said.

"For example, somebody was instrumental in the rape. When they were released from jail, these people garlanded the...