New Delhi, August 16: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has accused senior Congress leader and former Finance Minister P. Chidambaram of providing protection to ‘intellectual Naxals.’ This allegation arose after Chidambaram expressed pride in being associated with those labeled as ‘intellectual Naxals.’
The controversy follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s statement from the ramparts of the Red Fort, where he mentioned that “intellectual Naxalism” remains a challenge for the country. In response, Chidambaram stated that he takes pride in being called an “intellectual Naxal.”
Several BJP leaders, including MPs and party spokespersons, reacted sharply to Chidambaram’s remarks, accusing him of acting as a shield for Naxalites and their supporters. BJP spokesperson RP Singh criticized Chidambaram for his lenient stance towards Naxalites.
“He refers to himself as an ‘intellectual Naxal’ because I believe he wants to cover for those who are ‘intellectual Naxals’ and ‘urban Naxals,'” Singh stated.
Syed Shahnawaz Hussain echoed similar sentiments, asserting that the behavior of Congress leaders is becoming worse than that of Naxalites. He remarked that while Naxalites can be eradicated from the forests, Chidambaram’s self-identification as an ‘intellectual Naxal’ is a conspiracy against the nation, fostering misconceptions about the country. He emphasized that Congress leaders leave no stone unturned in disrespecting the nation.
Hussain added, “The Prime Minister did not directly label Congress members as ‘intellectual Naxals,’ but if they are accepting that label themselves, it is their own issue.”
BJP Rajya Sabha member Dinesh Sharma questioned, “Why is the opposition not concerned about the violence and mindset associated with Naxalism as warned by the Prime Minister?” He noted, “The opposition is entangled in the term ‘Naxal,’ yet they never address the damage caused by such a mindset.”
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