Malegaon Verdict Sparks ‘Hindu Terror’ Debate
Congress Leader Rejects Terminology, Cites Shivaji Maharaj’s Flag
A recent acquittal in the 2008 Malegaon blast case has ignited a fierce debate over the use of the term “saffron terror,” with senior Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan asserting his opposition to the phrase. The former Maharashtra chief minister argued that saffron holds significant religious and cultural importance in India.
Rejection of ‘Saffron Terror’
Prithviraj Chavan stated that the term “saffron terrorism” should not be employed. Instead, he suggested that actions of this nature should be described as “Hindu fundamentalist” or “Hindu terrorism” if an association with religion is to be made.
No Hindu can ever be a terrorist. Terrorism has no religion: Amit Shah on Malegaon blast case verdict.#MalegaonBlast #MalegaonVerdict #AmitShah
— Times of India (@timesofindia) May 1, 2024
Chavan’s remarks came in response to Union Home Minister **Amit Shah**’s assertion that “no Hindu can ever be a terrorist.” Responding to this, **Chavan** reminded **Shah** that the first terrorist act in independent India was perpetrated by Nathuram Godse, questioning the religious affiliation attributed to him. According to the National Investigation Agency (NIA), Godse was a member of the Hindu Mahasabha.
Malegaon Blast Case Verdict
An NIA court in Mumbai recently acquitted all seven individuals accused in the 2008 Malegaon blast case, citing a lack of reliable and cogent evidence. The incident, which occurred 17 years ago, involved an explosion from a motorcycle near a mosque in Malegaon, resulting in six fatalities and over a hundred injuries.
“I want to remind Amit Shah that the first terrorist incident in independent India was carried out by Nathuram Godse. Which religion did he belong to? Terrorism has no religion. This is the BJP’s mindset to connect terrorism with religion.”
—Prithviraj Chavan, Former Maharashtra Chief Minister
The BJP and various right-wing organizations have historically criticized the Congress for popularizing the phrase “bhagwa aatankwad,” or saffron terror. Chavan emphasized that a terrorist who kills innocent people is devoid of any religious identity.
Political Reactions
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also commented on the verdict, stating, “Terrorism was never saffron and will never be.” The acquittals included prominent figures such as BJP MP Pragya Singh Thakur and Lt Colonel Prasad Purohit.