Bhupesh Baghel hits at BJP's stance on Constitution & 'urban naxal' allegations

Raipur (Chhattisgarh) [India], November 6 (ANI): Congress leader and former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) stance on the Constitution and recent allegations of 'urban naxalism'.
Speaking to ANI, Baghel highlighted the region's strong history of social reform and its significant contribution to shaping India's Constitution.
"This land is where the values of equality, justice, and the Constitution itself were forged. Social reformers here have long championed an egalitarian society. From Jyotirao Phule to Mahatma Gandhi, who led the freedom struggle here, and Baba Saheb Ambedkar, the architect of our Constitution - people in this region hold the Constitution close to their hearts," Baghel stated.
He went on to criticise BJP leaders who have alleged urban naxalism in the state, questioning their lack of action.
"Some BJP leaders claim that urban naxalism activities are taking place in their state. If they know about it, why haven't they taken action? This implies they are complicit," he remarked.
Echoing Rahul Gandhi's stance, Baghel asserted, "Ninety percent of the people should have a stake in the nation's development and wealth. It shouldn't be concentrated in the hands of a few."
Earlier, Maharashtra Leader of the Opposition and Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar responded to Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis's remarks on Rahul Gandhi's "Samvidhan Sammelan," calling Fadnavis's comments an "insult" to social organisations.
Wadettiwar told ANI, "If the BJP dismisses Rahul Gandhi's Hyderabad event as 'nautanki,' it shows their fear. Labelling it 'urban naxalism' is an insult to social organisations."
He added, "If they're labelling these groups 'urban naxals,' then the Home Minister should initiate an inquiry. Insulting social organisations will have electoral consequences."
Meanwhile, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday criticised Congress MP Rahul Gandhi ahead of the "Samvidhan Sammelan" event in Nagpur. Fadnavis accused Gandhi of lacking genuine respect for the Constitution, saying, "He has no regard for the Constitution. This is nothing but theatrics to win votes."
The Maharashtra Assembly elections are scheduled for November 20, with vote counting on November 23. The opposition MVA coalition, comprising Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), aims to regain power against the Mahayuti alliance, which includes the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, the BJP, and the Ajit Pawar-led NCP.
In the 2019 Maharashtra Assembly elections, the BJP won 105 seats, Shiv Sena secured 56, and Congress won 44. In 2014, the BJP won 122 seats, Shiv Sena 63, and Congress 42. (ANI)