Mumbai, March 25 (NationPress) On Wednesday, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis took a jab at the dubious claims made by individuals such as the self-proclaimed astrologer Ashok Kharat, asserting that if black magic truly had efficacy, the world would indeed be transformed.

“Had black magic been effective, we would have enlisted Ashok Kharat as a security adviser to Donald Trump. Instead of relying on sophisticated drones, we could wage wars with lemons and chillies. We could have neutralized terrorists right here with pins, eliminating the necessity of dispatching our valiant soldiers to the borders,” he remarked.

He further added that politicians wouldn't need to hold extensive campaign rallies if a few “godmen” could simply claim electoral victories from a single room.

In response to a motion presented by the opposition last week in the state Assembly, CM Fadnavis delivered a sharp and humorous rebuttal against the rising influence of “godmen” in Maharashtra. He elaborated on the case of Ashok Kharat, a self-proclaimed godman currently detained for rape and various other crimes.

He firmly stated that superstition has no place in society and expressed his commitment to combat these practices, particularly those associated with Kharat.

The Chief Minister highlighted that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) is already examining the case.

“We are determined to uncover the very roots of this case to ensure Kharat faces severe punishment. This should act as a deterrent for others,” he asserted.

CM Fadnavis distinguished between authentic spirituality and detrimental superstition, citing the teachings of Maharashtra's revered saints such as Sant Tukaram, Dnyaneshwar, and Gadge Baba. He pointed out that while the state's saints never dismissed the existence of God, they consistently challenged superstition.

“Genuine spirituality is founded in positivity and integrity, where no harm is inflicted on others. Anything that aims to harm another is not faith but rather blind superstition,” the Chief Minister remarked.

He suggested that the Kharat case is a stark reminder of how easily people abandon their sense of reason (vivek) when they fall prey to superstition.

He encouraged anyone with knowledge about Ashok Kharat’s activities to step forward and assist the government.

CM Fadnavis mentioned that while specific regulations under the Anti-Superstition Law are nearing completion, Section 3 of the Act is already being implemented to prosecute such cases. He added that the government is dedicated to a prompt judicial process to secure justice for the victims.

Given that the crimes involved lead to punishments of less than 10 years, he stated that the police aim to submit a chargesheet within 60 days. In cases concerning women, the state is directing that lawyers should be limited to no more than two adjournments to prevent delays.

In closing his remarks on the motion, Fadnavis prayed for the advancement of “Maharashtra Dharma” on the eve of Ram Navami. He reiterated that while the state is home to many believers, there is no tolerance for “bhondugiri” (fraudulent godmanship).