Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis strongly criticized superstition and blind faith while addressing the state assembly, using sharp analogies and global references to underscore his point. His remarks came during discussions surrounding the investigation into rape-accused astrologer Ashok Kharat.

Speaking against so-called fraudulent spiritual practices, Fadnavis remarked that if superstition could solve real-world problems, global conflicts would be handled through rituals rather than modern warfare. He quipped that wars would have been fought with lemons and chilies instead of drones, and even suggested sarcastically that terrorists could be eliminated remotely using black magic rather than military action. His comments drew laughter and applause in the assembly.

The chief minister also referenced international contexts, suggesting that if such practices were effective, individuals like Kharat could have been advising leaders such as Donald Trump, or even resolving cross-border tensions with countries like Pakistan without the need for armed forces. Through these comparisons, he emphasized the irrationality of relying on superstition in matters of governance and security.

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Turning to the case at hand, Fadnavis urged citizens and lawmakers to cooperate with authorities in the ongoing investigation against Kharat. He stressed the need for strict legal action, stating that the accused should be punished in a manner that sets a strong precedent. The case, initially based on a single complaint, has since expanded into broader allegations of exploitation and the use of black magic practices.

Fadnavis reiterated that while faith holds an important place in society, blind faith can lead to harmful consequences. Drawing on Maharashtra’s social reform legacy, he highlighted how saints such as Sant Dnyaneshwar, Sant Tukaram, and Sant Eknath advocated rational thinking and encouraged people to question beliefs rather than accept them without scrutiny.

Concluding his remarks ahead of the upcoming Ram Navami, the chief minister expressed hope that societal values rooted in faith would continue to grow, but without accommodating exploitative or deceptive practices. He also informed the assembly that rules under the Anti-Superstition Law are in their final stages, adding that existing legal provisions are already sufficient to prosecute such offenses.

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