August 2, 2025

Former Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan made significant remarks on August 1, 2025, criticizing the tendency to label acts of terror as 'saffron terror.' Chavan, addressing his party leaders, emphasized the importance of separating the reverence for saffron, a color cherished by 14 crore Maharashtrians due to cultural and historical significance, particularly linked to the revered Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, from the political narratives pushed by the BJP. In a response to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis's claims denying the existence of 'Hindutva terror', Chavan posed poignant questions regarding historically significant figures involved in violence, such as Nathuram Godse and those responsible for the deaths of notable individuals like Comrade Pansare and Narendra Dabholkar. He made a strong case for recognizing acts of terror irrespective of their ideological context, insisting on questioning, 'What is the color of terror in Manipur?' Chavan expressed deep concern about the government's failure to deliver justice to the victims of significant terror attacks, specifically mentioning high-profile bombings such as the 7/11 train blasts and the Malegaon blast. He highlighted that acquittals in these cases leave victims without answers or accountability for their previous sufferings. His call for the government to appeal these decisions underscores the growing frustration with the current judicial outcomes. Chavan’s inquiry was direct, asking, 'What will you tell the victims? Someone has to be accountable.' Chavan also recounted that during his tenure as Chief Minister before 2014, he had taken proactive steps by proposing to the Center a ban on the controversial group Sanatan Sanstha under the strict provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). This move illustrated his commitment to addressing radical elements that pose a threat to society. Furthermore, Chavan scrutinized the credibility of a statement made by a former Maharashtra Police inspector regarding an alleged directive to arrest Mohan Bhagwat after the Malegaon blasts. He questioned the timing and credibility of this claim, asking whether a lower-ranking officer could be involved in such critical discussions and highlighting past inaction. 'When Fadnavis became the CM in 2014, why didn’t he say anything about it?' Chavan questioned, suggesting that the emergence of this statement was suspiciously timed for political leverage. These remarks from Chavan not only demonstrate his unwavering stance on accountability and justice regarding terror acts but also reflect a broader concern regarding the political manipulation of communal identities. His assertion reflects the challenges faced by political parties in negotiating the intertwined realms of politics, identity, and justice within Maharashtra’s socio-political landscape.

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Tags: Prithviraj chavan, Maharashtra, Bjp, Hindutva, Terrorism,