MUMBAI — In a sharp address to the Maharashtra Assembly, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis ridiculed superstitious beliefs while discussing the investigation into rape-accused astrologer Ashok Kharat.

Fadnavis used pointed analogies to highlight the absurdity of "bhondu" (fraudulent) practices, arguing that if black magic actually worked, global warfare and security strategies would be obsolete.

Key Highlights

• The "Needle" Analogy: "If superstition solved problems, we could have finished terrorists in Pakistan while sitting here with a needle instead of sending soldiers to the border," Fadnavis quipped.
• On Warfare: He noted that wars would be fought with lemons and chilis rather than drones if such beliefs held any power.
• Legal Action: The CM confirmed that while the state's Anti-Superstition Law is being further refined, existing provisions are sufficient to ensure Kharat receives a punishment that "sets a precedent."
• Faith vs. Blind Faith: Citing the reformist traditions of saints like Sant Tukaram, he emphasized that while faith has a place, "intellect is lost" when it crosses into blind belief.

Fadnavis concluded by urging the House to reject "bhondugiri" and assist the administration in rooting out exploitative practices in the name of religion.