NCP Spokesperson Nasim Siddiqui Criticizes BJP and RSS for Labeling Dissenters as Mental Naxals
Mumbai, August 18: NCP (SP) spokesperson Nasim Siddiqui responded to various political issues concerning Maharashtra and the nation on Monday. He noted ideological similarities among certain organizations, comparing the RSS to Jaish-e-Mohammed and the Taliban. Siddiqui accused these groups of promoting division and violence rather than unity.
He also claimed that some individuals continue to glorify the assassin of Mahatma Gandhi.
In response to Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan’s comments about Gopinath Munde, Siddiqui stated that Munde is no longer alive and was a significant figure in the BJP. He held important positions such as Union Minister and Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra. Discussing a deceased leader in this manner, years after their passing, is pointless, he asserted.
Siddiqui was questioned about Congress leader Hussain Dalwai’s claim that Eknath Shinde was once willing to join Congress. He remarked that he was not a direct witness to that event and that only those involved could provide clarity. Commenting on the current political landscape, he noted that party-switching has become commonplace, making it difficult to predict who might join Congress or the BJP next.
Regarding Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’s meeting with the Prime Minister, Siddiqui stated that such meetings are natural, given that both the state and central governments are led by the same party. Discussions during the meeting could cover party-related matters as well as issues concerning Maharashtra’s development, he added.
On the appointment of Bharat Gogavale as Raigad’s guardian minister, Siddiqui emphasized that the decision lies within the Chief Minister’s jurisdiction, and commenting on it would be inappropriate. As a spokesperson for the Nationalist Congress Party, he noted that internal decisions within the ruling coalition are their own business.
Siddiqui targeted the BJP and RSS over their ‘mental naxal‘ remarks, alleging that any intellectual questioning government policies is labeled as such. He warned that if this definition is accepted, millions in the country could be branded as ‘mental naxals’ for raising concerns about unemployment, inflation, economic policy, foreign policy, or law and order.
Responding to BJP’s criticism of Sonia Gandhi regarding Vande Mataram, Siddiqui accused them of politicizing the issue. He highlighted that Sonia Gandhi, originally an Italian citizen, embraced Indian traditions and values after marrying Rajiv Gandhi and dedicated her life to India. He argued that questioning her citizenship or patriotism is politically unfounded.
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