Konsari (Gadchiroli): At a high-profile industrial launch in Gadchiroli, Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis sharpened his attack on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of being heavily influenced by “urban naxals” and ultra-Left ideologues. Speaking at the foundation-laying ceremony of Lloyds Metals and Energy Limited’s (LMEL) integrated steel plant in Konsari — a tribal belt once plagued by Maoist insurgency — Fadnavis charged Gandhi with enabling radical elements to stall the state’s development.“Rahul Gandhi is surrounded by urban naxals. He acts on their diktats,” Fadnavis told reporters. “Congress is opposing the Jan Suraksha Act, as per Gandhi’s directives, and this opposition is being fuelled by people with radical ideologies.”The Jan Suraksha Act has triggered protests from civil rights groups and opposition parties, who claim it may be misused to suppress dissent. Fadnavis, however, asserted that a thorough legislative review found the Act to be constitutionally sound. “The law was vetted clause by clause with opposition members on the review panel. There’s nothing unconstitutional. This is propaganda by extreme leftists,” he said.Earlier in his address to the people, Fadnavis cautioned residents of Konsari against what he described as a “coordinated misinformation campaign” by urban naxals operating outside the state. “They are not locals. Their digital footprints lead to cities like Kolkata and Bengaluru. They are spreading lies that tribals are being displaced or forests are being axed. The truth is, there is a conspiracy to derail Gadchiroli’s progress,” he said.The CM alleged the social media campaign against the project was backed by foreign-funded groups. “Such attempts are part of a bigger plot to stall development using misinformation and fear. We won’t allow them to succeed,” he said.Fadnavis added that as Gadchiroli continues on its developmental path, such campaigns would intensify. “The moment we lay foundations of new projects, social media posts emerge with claims on forest destruction or land grab. But these people are nowhere near Gadchiroli, they’re operating from outside Maharashtra,” he said.The chief minister also spoke of a marked shift in Gadchiroli’s profile — from a Maoist-hit zone to an emerging industrial district. “A few years ago, officers refused to take postings here. Today, they are seeking transfers to Gadchiroli. That is the transformation,” he said.Highlighting govt rehabilitation schemes, Fadnavis said many former Naxals had surrendered and joined the mainstream. “They’ve undergone training, taken jobs, and are building families. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah’s leadership, we are dismantling the guerrilla ecosystem. Only a few cadres remain, and I appeal to them to drop their weapons and return to the mainstream,” he added. He reiterated that the goal of making Gadchiroli entirely Naxal-free was within reach.Fadnavis also took indirect aim at Maharashtra agriculture minister Manikrao Kokate, who had earlier criticized the state’s fiscal position and farm schemes. “I haven’t heard his exact comments, but I believe no minister should speak irresponsibly about our economy,” Fadnavis remarked.Defending the Mahayuti govt’s decision to restructure the ₹1 crop insurance scheme, the CM said it had been reformed to better serve farmers. “We’ve ensured relief worth ₹5,000 crore to farmers. Of course, some vested interests are upset,” he said.Fadnavis maintained that Maharashtra remains one of the most fiscally disciplined states in the country. “Despite challenges, our fiscal deficit is still under 3%, while many other states have gone past the 5% mark. We’re managing very well,” he said.
