‘Dimagi Naxalism’ more dangerous than armed Naxalism: Fadnavis

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis endorsed PM Modi’s ‘dimagi Naxals’ remarks, alleging ideological Naxalism promotes anarchy. He also defended the full rendition of Vande Mataram, discussed conditions for women’s reservation and criticised Opposition leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge for missing Independence Day events

Mumbai: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday backed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “dimagi Naxals” remarks, saying the reference was appropriate and could be seen at the Congress programme on Independence Day. Talking to reporters, Fadnavis said armed Naxalism had been defeated but an ideological form of Naxalism promoting anarchy was still visible.

PM Modi addressed the country from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the occasion of the 80th Independence Day, where he warned about the intellectual Naxals (dimagi Naxals) who have allegedly entrenched themselves in the system and continue to pose a threat to society by manipulating policies. The PM also urged the citizens to “identify and isolate” them.

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Fadnavis said, “I think the Prime Minister has made a very appropriate reference. Naxalism with a gun has ended. But, more dangerous than that, we are seeing a kind of ‘dimagi Naxalism’ among people whose minds are filled with anarchy.” “Unfortunately, we saw one such example even at today’s Congress programme. The decision to play the complete Vande Mataram on August 15 was taken within the constitutional powers of the country,” he said. The BJP on Saturday accused Congress leader Sonia Gandhi of objecting to the singing of the full version of Vande Mataram at the party’s Independence Day event.

Referring to it, Fadnavis said, “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”. He said such opposition to a decision taken within the constitutional framework amounted to an insult to constitutional authority. “Is this not an insult to constitutional power? This is why we have to fight against such ‘dimaagi Naxalism’ and the examples of it that we are seeing,” Fadnavis said.

On the PM’s pitch for passage of the women’s reservation bill, Fadnavis said political parties opposing the women’s reservation proposal should first understand the constitutional conditions attached to the 2023 legislation, asserting that the reservation could be implemented only after completion of the Census and delimitation.

Fadnavis said the 2023 constitutional amendment approving women’s reservation had two conditions — completion of the Census and delimitation based on the Census — after which the reservation could be implemented.

“Those who are selectively reacting to the PM’s appeal on women’s reservation should remember that when the women’s reservation legislation was approved through a constitutional amendment in 2023, two conditions were put in it. The first was completion of the Census and the second was delimitation after the Census. Only after these two processes can the women’s reservation be implemented,” Fadnavis said.

He said the Centre had subsequently brought another constitutional amendment in an earlier session to provide an alternative mechanism in case the new Census was not completed on time.

“The government had brought a new constitutional amendment in an earlier session. The proposal was that if the new Census was not conducted, the previous Census could be used to complete this process. But some Opposition parties did not support it. Since it did not get the required two-thirds majority, that amendment could not be passed,” he said.

Fadnavis said the situation therefore continued to be governed by the 2023 legislation. “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 on the issue. “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, and if you support women’s reservation, then support the constitutional amendment and pass it with a two-thirds majority. Only then can women get reservation in 2029. Otherwise, the Opposition should not show one face while having another position,” Fadnavis said.

He also criticised Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge over their absence from the Independence Day function, saying opposition to the BJP should not be equated with opposition to the country. “Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge’s opposition, hostility or fight is against the Bharatiya Janata Party. They should oppose the BJP, but they should not oppose India,” he said.

“This is not a party function. It is not a function or celebration of any political party. This is India’s celebration. The tricolour is hoisted under an institution created by the Constitution and it represents the sovereignty of the entire country. This is our national celebration,” Fadnavis said. “It is unfortunate that both Opposition leaders were absent from this function. Those holding constitutional posts should attend the programmes of celebrating the country,” he said.