'Difference between Jihad and Dharmayuddh is...': Devendra Fadnavis Says He Is 'Not Anti-Muslim'

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, on Friday, said that the difference between Jihad and Dharmayuddh was that while Jihad meant 'elimination' of opponents, a Dharmayuddh is a fight against those opposed to 'truth'. Speaking exclusively to Republic Media Network's Senior Editor Shavan Sen, Fadnavis said that he 'never was, is not and will never be' anti-Muslim.

Devendra Fadnavis Exclusive Interview: Maharashtra CM On What It Is To Be A True Hindu

"I was not, am not, and will never be anti-Muslim. I am a true Hindu. A true- Hindu is never anti-(anything). Hindutva teaches tolerance. Hindus never tried to change anyone's religion. Never claimed victory over anyone by wielding a sword... But my Hindtva teaches me that if I am attacked, then, I cannot remain quiet. I will respond," Fadnavis told Republic Media Network. 

"The difference between Jihad and Dharmayudh is that Jihad is about eliminating the opponent. Dharmayudh is a fight against the one who is against the truth," he added.

Devendra Fadnavis: Reference To Jihaad Was In 'Reaction' To Divisive Forces 

Adding that his focus on development and Maharashtra's ‘vikas’ was unchanged, Fadnavis said that if he spoke for 25 minutes during a rally, 22 minutes of the speech were on development, while the remaining three were about 'Jihad'. He, however, added that the reference to Jihad was 'reactive' and in response to the Congress-NCP (Sharad Pawar)-Shiv Sena (UBT)- alliance's divisive claims. 

They were a response to the 'efforts of polarisation by Congress, NCP of Sharad Pawar and Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT)' - Fadnavis said.