MUMBAI — In a sharp-witted address to the Maharashtra Assembly, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis took aim at the rise of “bhondu babas” (fraudulent godmen), using pointed analogies to highlight the absurdity of blind faith.
Speaking during a discussion on the investigation into rape-accused astrologer Ashok Kharat, Fadnavis argued that if black magic actually held power, the world’s geopolitical strategies would look very different.
The “Needle vs. Soldier” Analogy
The Chief Minister’s remarks, which drew widespread applause from the House, centered on the practical impossibility of superstitious solutions:
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On Warfare: “If superstition solved problems, wars would have been fought with lemons and chilis instead of drones.”
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On Counter-Terrorism: “We would have finished terrorists in Pakistan while sitting here with a needle. We wouldn’t have sent soldiers to the border; eight to ten such godmen could have done the job.”
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On Diplomacy: He quipped that if these practices worked, a figure like Kharat would have been an advisor to global leaders like Donald Trump.
The Ashok Kharat Case
The discussion follows chilling allegations against the Nashik-based astrologer, involving repeated assault, forced abortions, and even claims of “human sacrifice.”
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Setting a Precedent: Fadnavis urged members to come forward with information to ensure a punishment that serves as a future deterrent.
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Legal Action: The CM confirmed that specific rules under the Anti-Superstition Law are in their final stages, though current laws are already sufficient for prosecution.
Faith vs. Blind Faith
Fadnavis anchored his argument in Maharashtra’s history of social reform, invoking the legacy of saints like Sant Dnyaneshwar and Sant Tukaram.
“Maharashtra is a land of saints. None of them denied God, but they all attacked blind faith. We believe in faith, but intellect is lost when that line is crossed.”
He concluded by stating that while he prays for the expansion of “Maharashtra Dharma,” there should be absolutely no space for “bhondugiri” (charlatanism) in the state.
