‘Vote Jihad’ vs ‘Dharm Yuddh’: Fadnavis’ Fresh Attack On MVA In Maharashtra Battle – News18

Last Updated:November 16, 2024, 10:10 IST

The deputy chief minister said in response to the Ulama Council’s demands, the Maha Vikas Aghadi had promised to provide 10% quota to Muslims and withdraw criminal cases against Muslim youth involved in riots between 2012 and 2024

Maharashtra’s deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis has stirred the political cauldron ahead of elections by calling for a “religious war of votes” to counter what he termed “Vote Jihad”. Addressing a rally in Khadakwasla, Fadnavis accused the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) of attempting to divide voters on religious lines, citing a controversial video of Islamic scholar Sajjid Nomani as evidence.

Fadnavis alleged that efforts were being made to destabilise both the BJP-led Maharashtra government and the Union government by polarising voters. He emphasised the inclusive nature of the Mahayuti government’s welfare schemes, such as the Ladki Bahin Yojana, asserting that they cater to all communities regardless of religion.

“Some people are trying to create divisions among voters based on religion during elections,” he said, referencing the alleged appeal made in the video. He added that initiatives like the Ladki Bahin Yojana are designed to benefit all women, not just those of a particular religion, unlike the divisive agenda purportedly pursued by the MVA.

Fadnavis Slams Appeasement Politics

In a scathing attack on the Opposition, Fadnavis accused Congress, Sharad Pawar, and Uddhav Thackeray of indulging in appeasement politics. He claimed their strategies were designed to polarise voters, contrasting this with the BJP’s commitment to equitable development.

“When we launched the Ladki Bahin Yojana, we didn’t restrict its benefits to Hindu women or women of any specific religion. But certain parties are trying to exploit religion for electoral gain,” he asserted.

Ulama Council’s Demands for MVA

Fadnavis also brought attention to a 17-point charter reportedly submitted by the Ulama Council to the MVA. He described some demands as “dangerous”, including a proposed 10 per cent reservation for Muslims and the withdrawal of cases against Muslim youth involved in riots between 2012 and 2024.

The BJP leader claimed that the MVA had promised, in writing, to provide quota and withdraw criminal cases if they returned to power. “These are not just demands, but dangerous attempts to create a wedge in society,” he warned.

Fadnavis concluded by urging people to remain united, saying: “Only by standing together can we ensure our safety and stability. If there’s a ‘vote jihad,’ we must counter it with a religious war of votes.”