Fadnavis backs PM Modi's 'intellectual Naxals' remark, links it to Congress event

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday supported Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s remark about “intellectual Naxals” made during his Independence Day address, and said armed Naxalism had ended but an ideological form remained a threat.

Addressing reporters after an Independence Day event, Mr. Fadnavis said the Prime Minister’s reference was appropriate. “Naxalism with a gun has ended. But, we are seeing a more dangerous kind of ‘dimagi Naxalism’,” he said.

He cited a Congress programme held on August 15, where the full version of “Vande Mataram” was played. “The decision to play the complete Vande Mataram on August 15 was taken within the constitutional powers of the country. If reports that Sonia Gandhi was unhappy because the full Vande Mataram was played are true, then what else can this be but ‘dimagi Naxalism’ among people whose minds are filled with anarchy,” Mr. Fadnavis said.

In his address on the 80th Independence Day, Prime Minister Modi had said “intellectual Naxals” had become part of the system and continued to pose a threat to society. He urged citizens to “identify and isolate” them. The phrase has been used by the Prime Minister and other BJP leaders to describe critics who, they claim, undermine the nation through their rhetoric on issues such as democracy and the Constitution. The remark has drawn criticism from Opposition parties, who view it as an attempt to stifle dissent.

On the women’s reservation issue, Mr. Fadnavis said parties opposing the Prime Minister’s appeal for a Bill to reserve seats for women in Parliament should understand the constitutional conditions attached to the 2023 legislation. The Women’s Reservation Act, which was passed in 2023 with near-unanimous support, provides for reserving one-third of seats in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies for women. However, its implementation is contingent on the completion of the Census and a subsequent delimitation exercise. The Census, which was scheduled for 2021, was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the government has not yet announced a new date.

“Today, the situation is the same as it was under the 2023 legislation. If women’s reservation is to be implemented under that law, the Census has to be completed and then delimitation has to be carried out. If you want another option, the only way is to support the new constitutional amendment that has been proposed,” he said.

He accused the Opposition of taking contradictory positions. “In 2023, you supported the Bill with your vote. Therefore, you also know that women’s reservation cannot be given under that legislation without these two pre-conditions. If you genuinely want women’s reservation, then support the constitutional amendment and pass it with a two-thirds majority. Only then can women get reservation in 2029,” he added.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah had earlier introduced a Bill to increase the number of seats in both Houses of Parliament alongside the women’s reservation Bill. That move was opposed by MPs from several southern states, who feared it would reduce their representation. The Bill was defeated in a parliamentary session four months ago.

Mr. Fadnavis also criticised Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge for their absence from the Independence Day function. “Opposition to the BJP should not be equated with opposition to the country,” he said.

Opposition parties, including the Congress, have argued that the government could have implemented the 2023 law without waiting for delimitation, and have accused the government of delaying the process. They have also questioned the need for a separate constitutional amendment, asserting that the existing law already provides for reservation for women.