01 September,2026 10:14 AM IST | Pune | mid-day online correspondent
Devendra Fadnavis. File Pic
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday accused the Congress of drawing inspiration from Maoism and using what he described as false narratives to create an atmosphere of anarchy in the country.
Addressing the concluding session of the BJP State Executive Committee meeting in Pune, Fadnavis urged party workers to prepare for what he described as an upcoming political battle against misinformation and "fake narratives".
He alleged that opposition parties, particularly the Congress, were attempting to spread false claims on a range of political and social issues.
Fadnavis cited the Opposition's criticism of changes to school textbooks, saying allegations of "saffronisation" were raised when the government sought to include what he described as historical facts in the curriculum.
He referred to the treatment of Mughal and Maratha history in NCERT textbooks under previous governments.
"Our true history was hidden from us for decades. The Modi government rectified this by reducing the Mughals to a single paragraph and allocating 17 pages to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Maratha history, shattering their fake narrative," he said.
Fadnavis argued that the dispute over the curriculum was part of a broader political effort by the Opposition to challenge the BJP's version of historical and cultural issues.
Turning to preparations for the upcoming Kumbh Mela, Fadnavis alleged that the Opposition had begun raising corruption allegations even before the event.
He said tenders for Kumbh Mela-related works had been received at rates between 20 and 30 per cent below the estimated costs, resulting in savings of more than Rs 100 crore in individual contracts.
"We are conducting audits in four distinct stages. The Opposition's sole strategy is to lie repeatedly and blatantly," he added.
Fadnavis said the government was putting in place multiple levels of scrutiny for expenditure related to the event.
The chief minister referred to Bharat Ratna B R Ambedkar's final speech and said Ambedkar had warned the country about the dangers of anarchy.
Fadnavis alleged that similar threats were now being created under the guise of defending the Constitution.
"This is targeted not just against the BJP, but against society at large. The Opposition invokes the Constitution while trampling upon its core values to instigate chaos. However, anyone attempting to misuse the Constitution will end up burning their own hands," he said.
He also claimed that India was facing pressure from forces that did not want the country to progress towards greater self-reliance.
"These forces know that if India is not stopped now, it cannot be stopped later. Only around 5 per cent of the people working with them realise they are being used, while 95 per cent remain unaware," he said.
Fadnavis also accused the Congress of hypocrisy over its position on the Constitution.
He said the party had, in the past, amended the Constitution to place certain decisions beyond judicial scrutiny, while now presenting itself as a defender of constitutional values.
"The cover says âConstitution', but inside lies a red book of Maoism. Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi speaks of Chhatro Ki Goonj (Voice of Students), but in reality, it is nothing more than Jhooth Ki Goonj (Echo of Lies)," he remarked.
He also criticised Sonia Gandhi, alleging that she had stopped "Vande Mataram" during a public event.
Fadnavis described the song as a major symbol of national sentiment and referred to its association with India's freedom movement.
On women's empowerment, Fadnavis accused Rahul Gandhi and parties that were part of the former United Progressive Alliance of delaying the passage of the Women's Reservation Bill.
"I have complete faith in my leader. Once Prime Minister Narendra Modi resolves to achieve something, he delivers. Defying all odds, PM Modi will ensure the implementation of women's reservation by 2029," he said.
Fadnavis said the BJP-led government was working towards the goal of making India a developed nation by 2047 under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership.
He also set out an ambitious economic target for Maharashtra, saying the state aimed to become a USD 3 trillion economy by 2030.
Expressing confidence in the Mahayuti government, Fadnavis said the ruling alliance would work to overcome challenges and meet the state's development targets.
(With inputs from IANS)
