On Rahul Gandhi's Message To Gen Z, Devendra Fadnavis' "Urban Naxal" Jab

In response to Rahul Gandhi's Gen Z message, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has launched a scathing criticism, labeling the Congress leader an "Urban Maoist" and claiming "his brains have been stolen."

The controversy ignited after Gandhi posted on social media platform X that students, youth, and Gen Z would "save the constitution, protect democracy and stop vote theft," declaring his solidarity with them. The BJP reacted strongly, particularly to his reference of "Gen Z," which recalls the generation that led government-changing protests in neighboring Nepal.

Fadnavis escalated his critique, stating, "When one's mind is stolen, people say things like this. He has no faith in the Constitution of the country." The Chief Minister further accused Gandhi of providing "evidence of his being an urban Naxal" by using "language like Gen Z should come and overthrow the constitutional government."

The Maharashtra leader dismissed Gandhi's understanding of Indian demographics, asserting, "He doesn't know Gen Z in India, doesn't know the youth of India, doesn't know the elderly, he doesn't even understand the essence of India."

This exchange follows Gandhi's allegations that the BJP is "stealing" votes in collaboration with the Election Commission, accusations that have infuriated the ruling party. The situation intensified when Gandhi coupled these claims with his appeal to Gen Z.

Senior BJP figure and former Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad condemned Gandhi for "abusing the democratic choice of the voters" by questioning multiple parliamentary elections. He warned of "consequences" and predicted "humiliating defeat" for Congress in upcoming polls.

BJP MP Nishikant Dubey joined the criticism, claiming Gandhi mischaracterized India's youth values, arguing that Gen Z actually opposes nepotism, corruption, and ideological ambiguity.

Undeterred by the backlash, Gandhi continued his offensive with another post stating, "Wake up at 4 am, delete two voters in 37 seconds, then go back to sleep."

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju countered by accusing Gandhi of attempting to "stop the engine that is driving India forward." Rijiju added that "the poor, the farmers, and the common people consider PM Modi their leader," suggesting Gandhi is merely "blaming the system to hide his weaknesses" after electoral defeats.