Senior Congress leader and former Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan on Saturday accused political opponents of deliberately misinterpreting his statement that “terrorism has no caste, religion, or colour” to fuel controversy. Speaking at a press conference in Karad, Chavan addressed protests by the Shiv Sena following the acquittal of seven accused in the 2008 Malegaon blast case by a Mumbai court.

“My words were distorted to shift focus from critical issues,” Chavan said, clarifying that his remark was meant to emphasize terrorism’s lack of religious affiliation, not to target any group. He criticized the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for failing to identify the perpetrators of the Malegaon blast despite years of investigation since 2014. “A serious terror act claimed innocent lives, yet justice remains elusive. Is political pressure influencing the probe?” he questioned.

Initially investigated by Maharashtra’s Anti-Terrorism Squad, the case was transferred to the NIA, but the court ruled there was insufficient evidence to convict. Chavan demanded accountability, urging a deeper probe into potential systemic failures or external influences that may have hindered justice.

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Turning to state governance, Chavan slammed the BJP-led Maharashtra government for declining industrial investments and rising crime. He highlighted an extortion-related murder in Beed over a Rs 2 crore demand and similar threats in Pune’s industrial hubs. “Extortion flourishes under political patronage. Only the Chief Minister and Deputy CM can curb such activities, as no gangster operates without backing,” he asserted.

Chavan also addressed the controversy over the term “saffron terror,” rejecting its use due to the saffron color’s association with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the Warkari sect. He reiterated that terrorism transcends religion, citing the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi by Nathuram Godse as an example. “A terrorist who kills innocents has no religion. Why link terror to any faith?” he asked, challenging the BJP and right-wing groups for exploiting the Malegaon verdict to attack Congress.

The Congress leader called for a united focus on development and justice, urging the government to address Maharashtra’s economic and security challenges rather than engaging in divisive politics. “The people deserve answers, not political distractions,” he concluded, emphasizing the need for transparent investigations and stronger governance to restore public trust.

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