‘Urban Naxal' is a fictitious term coined by BJP to gain traction: Maha Cong prez

Time of India

10-06-2025

Nagpur: Maharashtra Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal said the term "Urban Naxal" is one conjured up by BJP as part of its propaganda and added there is "no such thing as Urban Naxal".
During last year's polls, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis had alleged that Congress neta Rahul Gandhi is surrounded by Urban Naxals.
Talking to TOI, Sapkal said, "Who is an Urban Naxal? Do they carry weapons like Maoists? The truth is no such thing exists. BJP conjures up such buzzwords only to gain electoral traction. The saffron party indulges in such things when it wants to divert attention from real issues." Fadnavis' statement made last year on Gandhi and urban naxals created a national stir, with both national parties engaging in a prolonged verbal duel.
Talking about the upcoming local body polls, Sapkal said BJP's "false promises" will come to haunt it. One such issue, Sapkal pointed out, is the Mahayuti's 'Ladki Bahin' scheme. He criticised the ruling alliance for failing to deliver on their promise of increasing the monthly financial aid for women from Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,100. "They started Rs 1,500 per month dole for women and promised a hike it up to Rs 2,100 if voted to power," Sapkal noted, adding the increased amount has yet to be implemented.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025
Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List
Undo
He further alleged the govt is attempting to reduce the number of beneficiaries, with even the existing Rs 1,500 being withdrawn in some cases.
Sapkal warned this failure to fulfil promises could have significant repercussions for the BJP-led Mahayuti in upcoming elections, including local body polls and major elections in 2029. "Instead of Ladki Bahin, we now have angry bahins. Our sisters have been fooled by BJP-led Mahayuti," he remarked, highlighting the growing discontent among women who feel let down by the govt's unfulfilled promises.
In addition to the Ladki Bahin scheme, Sapkal criticised the govt's handling of the agricultural sector, particularly in providing relief to farmers affected by unseasonal rains. "Many farmers are still facing financial distress. It is very sad," he said, emphasising the need for immediate action to support those who lost their crops and struggling to make ends meet.
Sapkal said there is growing unrest in the public because of corruption in Mahayuti. "Many public projects are being announced without any logic. It seems infrastructure projects are more for the benefit of contractors rather than the people, who have now seen through this facade," said Sapkal.