In a revealing interview with journalist Shubhankar Mishra, former Home Minister and senior Congress leader Sushil Kumar Shinde admitted that the contentious term “Bhagwa Atankwad” or “Saffron Terrorism” was not just his personal view but an ideological position of the Congress party. This admission has reignited debates about the party’s approach to Hindutva and its implications for the political landscape in India.
Reflecting on his earlier use of the term, Shinde remarked, “I don’t know why the word ‘terrorism’ was used. It shouldn’t have been. It was wrong at that time.” This statement suggests a reluctant acknowledgment that the term, often seen as an effort to tarnish the Hindutva movement, was a misstep for Congress. It raises critical questions about the party’s strategy to connect with Hindu voters and its handling of national identity issues.
Shinde’s comments highlight the ideological divide within Congress, where some leaders have tried to align with minority communities at the cost of the majority’s sentiments. The derogatory use of “saffron”—a color sacred in Hinduism—has led to accusations of anti-Hindu rhetoric, which many believe has alienated voters.
Additionally, when questioned about the execution of terrorist Afzal Guru, Shinde refrained from labeling him as a terrorist, saying, “The decision was made by the Supreme Court, and as Home Minister, it was my duty to implement that order.” This response suggests a reluctance to confront uncomfortable truths about terrorism, particularly in relation to Kashmir, highlighting Congress’s struggle with its national security stance.
Shinde also touched on the party’s historical responses to major terrorist incidents, including the 2008 Mumbai attacks. While he denied knowing about allegations that Ajmal Kasab, the sole surviving attacker, was fed biryani in jail, his dismissal of the implications of Pakistan-sponsored terrorism underscores Congress’s failure to establish a robust national security policy during its time in power.
The interview contrasts sharply with the decisive actions taken by the Modi government, such as surgical strikes and the Balakot airstrike, which reflect a more assertive approach to counter-terrorism compared to Congress’s perceived inaction.
In an unexpected turn, Shinde defended Rahul Gandhi’s leadership amid ongoing criticism of the Congress party’s electoral losses, comparing him to former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. However, this comparison falls short given the significant setbacks Congress has faced since Rahul assumed a more prominent role in the party.
Shinde’s remarks indicate a disconnect from reality; since 2014, Congress has struggled to regain its position in national politics. Many within the party attribute its decline to a leadership crisis and a lack of coherent strategy.
As Shinde discussed the upcoming elections in Maharashtra, his comments reflected a party grappling with its diminishing relevance in the state’s political landscape. While he expressed hope that voters were fatigued with the BJP’s “politics of breaking alliances,” it is clear that Congress’s internal challenges, including opportunism and a lack of vision, have eroded its support base.
His critique of the BJP’s expected victory in the state underscores a failure to recognize the electorate’s clear mandate, as evidenced by the BJP’s substantial seat count in the recent Lok Sabha elections.