Maharashtra CM Fadnavis: Terrorism Was Never Saffron and Will Never Be
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has staunchly stated that terrorism has no roots in saffron ideology, following the acquittal of seven accused, including Pragya Singh Thakur, in the 2008 Malegaon blast case.
TerrorismSaffronMalegaon BlastNia CourtDevendra FadnavisReal Estate MaharashtraJul 31, 2025
An explosive device attached to a motorcycle detonated near a mosque in Malegaon, located about 200 km from Mumbai, on September 29, 2008. The blast resulted in the deaths of six people and injuries to 101 others. The special court acquitted all seven accused, stating there was 'no reliable and cogent evidence' against them.
Fadnavis took to X to post, 'Terrorism was never saffron, is not, and will never be.' This statement underscores the CM's commitment to dispelling any notion that saffron ideology is associated with terrorism.
Senior Congress leader and former Union Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde refrained from commenting on the verdict. However, the Shiv Sena spokesperson, Krishna Hegde, welcomed the NIA court's judgment. 'We are very happy with the order. It was the sinister design of the Congress party which trapped them and also coined the term 'Hindu terror' to fulfill their agenda. They have been exposed,' Hegde claimed.
Krishna Hegde also highlighted Union Home Minister Amit Shah's statement in Parliament that no Hindu can be a terrorist, asserting that this has been proven correct. Maharashtra Water Resources Minister and BJP leader Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil praised the verdict, stating that Hindutva was wrongfully labeled as 'terrorist' and that sentiments were hurt. 'There was an attempt to hurt spiritualism,' he claimed.
The acquittal of the accused has sparked a range of reactions, with political leaders from various parties offering their comments. While some view the verdict as a vindication of the accused, others see it as a step towards clarifying the relationship between religion and terrorism in India.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the outcome of the 2008 Malegaon blast case?
The special NIA court in Mumbai acquitted all seven accused, including former BJP MP Pragya Singh Thakur and Lt Colonel Prasad Purohit, stating there was 'no reliable and cogent evidence' against them.
What did Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis say about the verdict?
Fadnavis stated on X that 'terrorism was never saffron, is not, and will never be,' emphasizing that terrorism has no roots in saffron ideology.
How did the Shiv Sena react to the acquittal?
Shiv Sena spokesperson Krishna Hegde welcomed the NIA court's judgment, claiming it exposed the 'sinister design' of the Congress party to label the accused as 'Hindu terrorists.'
What was the impact of the blast in Malegaon?
The blast, which occurred on September 29, 2008, killed six people and injured 101 others near a mosque in Malegaon, located about 200 km from Mumbai.
What did Union Home Minister Amit Shah previously state about Hindu terrorism?
Union Home Minister Amit Shah had previously stated in Parliament that no Hindu can be a terrorist, a claim that has been supported by the recent acquittal of the accused in the Malegaon blast case.
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