Fadnavis Fuels 'Vote Jihad' Controversy at Poll Rally

Amid a heated political climate, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis raised alarms over 'vote jihad' at a recent rally in Pune. He played a video of Islamic scholar Sajjad Nomani and criticized opposition efforts to sway votes from a single community as destabilizing tactics.

In a charged atmosphere at a poll rally in Pune's Bhosari area, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis intensified his rhetoric on 'vote jihad.' He played a controversial video featuring Islamic scholar Sajjad Nomani, underscoring the growing tensions in the political landscape.

Fadnavis accused critics of endorsing a narrative suggesting that BJP voters should be ostracized, a claim he adamantly opposed, noting potential attempts by opponents to destabilize the government through community-focused voting strategies.

Challenging these strategies, Fadnavis invoked the spirit of Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, calling on supporters to engage in a 'dharmayudh' or righteous battle of votes to retain governmental control in Maharashtra.

(With inputs from agencies.)