As Maharashtra’s assembly elections approach, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis intensified his criticism of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of aligning with “radical and anti-national elements” in an interview this week. Fadnavis suggested that Gandhi’s recent actions reflect a troubling departure from democratic principles and cast a controversial spotlight on his political alliances and agenda.
Fadnavis’ central criticism stemmed from Gandhi’s symbolic use of a red-covered version of the Constitution, a departure from the traditional blue cover. According to Fadnavis, this red cover represents a shift toward extremist ideologies, associating it with left-wing radicalism rather than India’s democratic ethos. “Rahul Gandhi holds the Constitution in one hand, while supporting anarchy with the other,” Fadnavis charged, questioning Gandhi’s commitment to upholding constitutional values.
The Deputy CM further alleged that Gandhi has fostered ties with “Urban Naxals” and anarchist groups that, he claimed, are exerting growing influence over the Congress party. He argued that these forces are driving the party toward a more radicalized agenda, marking a stark departure from traditional Congress policies. Fadnavis singled out Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatra as an example, which he initially viewed as a unifying mission but now sees as a rallying ground for divisive forces. He pointed out that over 180 groups with alleged anti-national views joined the yatra, questioning whether its true intent was unity or division.
Adding to the controversy, Fadnavis raised questions about the upcoming “Constitution Honor Convention” scheduled by Gandhi in Nagpur, which reportedly will bar media attendance. He criticized this move, remarking, “They talk about saving democracy but exclude the media, the fourth pillar of democracy, from a meeting on the Constitution,” challenging Gandhi’s stance on transparency and accountability.
Fadnavis contrasted Gandhi’s approach with his own association with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), describing it as a guiding influence for him and a bulwark against what he calls Congress’s “anarchist forces.” He emphasized the BJP’s ideological clash with Congress, portraying the electoral battle as not only a contest against the opposition but also against what he believes are “anti-national” influences creeping into the state’s political arena.
As Maharashtra’s assembly elections approach, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis intensified his criticism of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of aligning with “radical and anti-national elements” in an interview this week. Fadnavis suggested that Gandhi’s recent actions reflect a troubling departure from democratic principles and cast a controversial spotlight on his political alliances and agenda.
Fadnavis’ central criticism stemmed from Gandhi’s symbolic use of a red-covered version of the Constitution, a departure from the traditional blue cover. According to Fadnavis, this red cover represents a shift toward extremist ideologies, associating it with left-wing radicalism rather than India’s democratic ethos. “Rahul Gandhi holds the Constitution in one hand, while supporting anarchy with the other,” Fadnavis charged, questioning Gandhi’s commitment to upholding constitutional values.
The Deputy CM further alleged that Gandhi has fostered ties with “Urban Naxals” and anarchist groups that, he claimed, are exerting growing influence over the Congress party. He argued that these forces are driving the party toward a more radicalized agenda, marking a stark departure from traditional Congress policies. Fadnavis singled out Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatra as an example, which he initially viewed as a unifying mission but now sees as a rallying ground for divisive forces. He pointed out that over 180 groups with alleged anti-national views joined the yatra, questioning whether its true intent was unity or division.
Adding to the controversy, Fadnavis raised questions about the upcoming “Constitution Honor Convention” scheduled by Gandhi in Nagpur, which reportedly will bar media attendance. He criticized this move, remarking, “They talk about saving democracy but exclude the media, the fourth pillar of democracy, from a meeting on the Constitution,” challenging Gandhi’s stance on transparency and accountability.
Fadnavis contrasted Gandhi’s approach with his own association with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), describing it as a guiding influence for him and a bulwark against what he calls Congress’s “anarchist forces.” He emphasized the BJP’s ideological clash with Congress, portraying the electoral battle as not only a contest against the opposition but also against what he believes are “anti-national” influences creeping into the state’s political arena.
With both parties vying for the mantle of “true defender of democratic values,” the escalating attacks are likely to shape voter perceptions across Maharashtra. Fadnavis’ remarks underscore the widening ideological divide as the BJP and Congress prepare for a high-stakes electoral showdown. As the election race intensifies, these ideological battles could play a defining role in Maharashtra’s political future, with each side positioning itself as the guardian of India’s democratic principles and the state’s security. As the election race intensifies, these ideological battles could play a defining role in Maharashtra’s political future, with each side positioning itself as the guardian of India’s democratic principles and the state’s security.