Opposition attacks PM Modi over remarks on intellectual Naxalites
Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi challenged the Prime Minister to a debate following his comments during a Diwali event in Chhattisgarh.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi faced criticism from the Opposition on Monday after he referred to certain individuals as 'intellectual Naxalites' during Diwali celebrations at a CRPF camp in Karanpur, Chhattisgarh.
According to The Indian Express, the Prime Minister stated on Sunday that while armed Naxalites have disappeared from forests, intellectual Naxalites have taken over various organisations and political parties to provoke people against the Constitution.
Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi posted on X that the CRPF personnel present did not believe the Prime Minister's claims. Gandhi challenged the Prime Minister to a discussion regarding which parties are anti-national and which are influenced by external powers.
Gandhi added that he believed the Prime Minister would not participate in such a debate and claimed the Prime Minister would lack the courage to face the jawans again after such an encounter.
Congress MP Jairam Ramesh said the Prime Minister used abusive language on a solemn occasion while wearing a security forces uniform. Ramesh described the Prime Minister as desperate and restless.
TMC Deputy Leader in the Rajya Sabha Sagarika Ghose said the government is using name-calling because it lacks answers to questions regarding the Election Commission. CPI's P Sandosh Kumar also criticised the speech, stating that those fighting for rights will be targeted.