'I don't respond to idiots': Devendra Fadnavis on Congress leader Digvijaya Singh's RSS conspiracy remark on 26/11 attacks

MUMBAI: Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday hit out at Congress leader Digvijaya Singh over his controversial remarks regarding the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, calling them baseless and offensive.

“First of all, I don’t respond to those who speak like idiots. When Kasab was executed, and after that, when David Headley’s statement was recorded in our judiciary, it became amply clear that this whole conspiracy was hatched in Pakistan,” Fadnavis said.

“Those who propagate other conspiracy theories, like RSS involvement in 26/11, don’t deserve a response. Now the prime conspirator is in our custody and more things will come to light,” he added.

Digvijaya Singh's 2010 remark

In December 2010, Congress leader Digvijaya Singh sparked a major controversy when he claimed that Maharashtra ATS chief Hemant Karkare had spoken to him just two hours before the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks began. Singh repeatedly alleged that Karkare had been receiving death threats from anonymous callers after arresting Hindu extremists in connection with the Malegaon blasts case.

Speaking to a national news channel at the time, Singh said Karkare appeared deeply disturbed and had confided in him that he was getting threatening calls from RSS members. He also alleged that an RSS mouthpiece had accused Karkare’s 17-year-old son of receiving a Rs 25 crore contract from Dubai.

“He was almost a broken man, the way he was being targeted by RSS leaders,” Singh had said. “That night, around 10.30 pm, I found out he was no more. And my first thought was—‘Oh God, they have taken him.’”

One step closer to justice

Lauding Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s foreign policy for making the extradition possible, the CM said the move brought justice a step closer for Mumbai.

“I am very happy that the accused in the 26/11 Mumbai attacks and one of the conspirators, Tahawwur Rana, has been brought to India. I thank the Prime Minister on behalf of all Mumbaikars. It was a burden on us that while Kasab was hanged according to law, one of the masterminds remained outside our reach. Now, he is with the NIA, which is investigating the case. The NIA will decide the further course of investigation and legal procedure. If needed, Mumbai Police will cooperate,” Fadnavis said during a joint press conference with Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.
132 railway stations in Maharashtra to be upgraded

Fadnavis also announced that 132 railway stations across Maharashtra would be upgraded under a central government initiative to modernise railway infrastructure. Railway Minister Vaishnaw, who shared the stage with the CM, said the Centre was committed to improving connectivity and passenger amenities across the state.
Mumbai to host annual WAVE Summit; IICT Planned at Film City

Fadnavis revealed that Mumbai would host the first World Audio Visual Entertainment (WAVE) Summit from May 1 to 4 at BKC, with participation expected from over 100 countries. Prime Minister Modi will also attend the event. He said the summit would become an annual feature, further cementing Mumbai's status as a global creative hub.

He also announced the launch of the Indian Institute of Creative Technology (IICT) at Film City, Goregaon. The institute will be a collaborative initiative between the central and state governments along with private sector partners.

Additionally, 240 acres of land in Malad, owned by the Information and Broadcasting Ministry, will be developed into a hub for post-production and entertainment infrastructure.

“Mumbai has a natural ecosystem for the film industry that no other city can replicate. That’s why we are confident Mumbai will become not just India’s entertainment capital, but the global one,” Fadnavis said, thanking IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for supporting the initiatives.


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