NEW DELHI: BJP on Saturday accused Rahul Gandhi of fuelling sympathies for Maoists and asked if the Congress leader is offering tacit endorsement of “urban naxals” by amplifying a video featuring them. BJP claimed that a video shared by Rahul on his social media platforms on the issue of pollution featured those who had raised pro-Naxal slogans, including in support of slain Maoist commander Hidma, during a protest in the national capital, ostensibly over air pollution. Police have arrested some persons over the issue.

The governing party’s sharp attack on Congress and Rahul comes amid the rapid shrinking of Naxal footprint in the country, with home minister Amit Shah promising to eradicate the insurgent movement by Mar 31 next year. PM Narendra Modi and Shah are currently attending the DGPs meet in Raipur where the security forces’ progress against the red menace is likely to come up for discussion. In a series of posts on X, BJP said, “Rahul Gandhi’s dangerous flirtation with Naxalite terrorism. Naxalite apologists remain entrenched in Congress leadership.” TNN