Mumbai: A political storm has erupted in Maharashtra following controversial remarks by NCP-SCP MLA Jitendra Awhad, who has said that "Sanatan Dharma has ruined India," labeling its ideology as "perverted."
The comments came hours after a special NIA court acquitted all seven accused in the 2008 Malegaon blast case, including former BJP MP Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur, reigniting the debate about "saffron terror" narrative.
Addressing media, Awhad launched a scathing critique of Sanatan Dharma, alleging historical oppression. "This so-called Sanatan Dharma denied Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj his coronation, defamed Sambhaji Maharaj, and attempted to assassinate social reformers like Jyotirao Phule. It's the same ideology that threw filth at Savitribai Phule and barred Dr Ambedkar from education."
The Thane legislator praised Ambedkar for burning Manusmriti, calling its creator a product of "this perverted Sanatani tradition."
The remarks drew immediate flak from BJP leaders, with MP Sambit Patra recalling Congress' use of the term "saffron terror." "Former home minister Sushil Kumar Shinde admitted being pressured by Congress leadership to use this phrase," Patra said, alleging the Gandhi family orchestrated this narrative. His comments referenced Shinde's 2013 speech at a Congress conclave where he first used the controversial terminology.
The political sparring has followed Thursday's court verdict that cleared all accused in the 2008 Malegaon blast which left six people dead and 95 others injured. The NIA court ordered Rs 2 lakh compensation for victims' families and Rs 50,000 for the injured, while noting the prosecution's failure to prove charges under UAPA and Arms Act beyond reasonable doubt.
The acquitted include retired Major Ramesh Upadhyay, Sudhakar Chaturvedi, and self-styled Shankaracharya Sudhankar Dhar Dwivedi.
Legal observers note the judgment examined 331 witnesses over 15 years before concluding the case lacked evidentiary strength. The verdict has intensified discussions about investigative accountability and the politicization of terror cases, with many parties questioning whether the Malegaon probe unfairly targeted Hindu activists.