Tezzbuzz Desk- The war of words between BJP and Congress has intensified over Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'mindful Naxal' statement. BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad hit back at the statement of Congress leader P. Chidambaram and targeted the Congress. He said that people who support or justify Naxalism are mentally connected to the same ideology.
Ravi Shankar Prasad said that the Modi government has achieved great success in eliminating armed Naxalism and Maoism from the country. He claimed that the tricolor is now flying proudly in many areas including Bastar, whereas earlier Naxalite activities were active there. He also cited Jehanabad in Bihar as an example of being free from Naxalism.
The BJP MP also questioned P. Chidambaram's statement in which the Congress leader had expressed pride in calling himself a 'brainy Naxalite'. Ravi Shankar Prasad said that those who justify Naxalite ideology should not have any objection to being called 'urban Naxal' or 'mindful Naxal'.
He also accused Congress of insulting 'Vande Mataram'. Ravi Shankar Prasad said that during the tenure of Modi government, national sentiment and Vande Mataram have been respected.
What did PM Modi say from the Red Fort?
During his address to the nation from the Red Fort on August 15, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said that the country has achieved freedom from armed Naxalism to a great extent. However, he warned that some people influenced by Naxalite ideology may still be active in society and public life.
Describing such people as 'mindless Naxals', PM Modi had said that there is a need to identify and isolate them, so that the youth can be united towards the goal of making the country a developed nation.
Congress also retaliated
Congress leader P. Chidambaram had reacted to PM Modi's statement through a social media post. He wrote that he is proud to be called a 'mindful Naxalite'.
At the same time, Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh raised questions on BJP regarding the term 'Urban Naxal'. He said that earlier also a question was asked in the Parliament regarding the definition of 'Urban Naxal' and the government had said that there is no such fixed definition. Jairam Ramesh alleged that now the Prime Minister is using words like 'mindless Naxal' for political opponents.