India, July 4 -- Nationalist Congress Party (SP) chief Sharad Pawar on Thursday criticised what he described as a growing tendency to brand individuals with differing views or progressive ideologies as "Naxals."

His remarks came a day after Shiv Sena MLC Manisha Kayande alleged in the legislative council that so-called "urban Naxals" had infiltrated the Wari pilgrimage to Pandharpur and were attempting to misguide the warkari community.

Responding to the claim, Pawar said, "One of the organisations named is Lokayat. I have observed Lokayat's work over the years. It is a modern, progressive group that has consistently worked to challenge regressive traditions. They are not Naxals. Unfortunately, it has now become a fashion to call someon...