"These people (Marxists) have no identity or ideology of their own and can only act as slaves to others," he said in an interview to BJP mouthpiece Panchajanya.

"Whether it was the freedom struggle or Partition, Marxists have always worked against the country's interests ... Even during mass struggles they have a reputation for stabbing in the back," he said.

Charging the Congress and the Left parties with trying to destabilise the Vajpayee government, Fernandes claimed that the popularity of the BJP-led Government and improved relationships with Pakistan had unnerved the two parties.

He accused the Congress of keeping relationships with Pakistan on a low key during its nearly 50-year rule at the Centre to "browbeat" the Muslims in the country.

Fernandes also criticised Congresspresident Sonia Gandhi and wondered how could she lead the nation when she had no links with the country's roots.

"The Congress president is like a foreign body in Indian politics. She will be rejected like any other foreign body," he said.

Accusing Vishnu Bhagwat of "treason", Fernandes said the sacked Navy chief and his wife Niloufer had Communist leanings.

"I have no objection to their political ideology but it is not fair to make national security issues topics for public debate," he said.

The Defence Minister, who has been engaged in a verbal duel with Bhagwat ever since his dismissal, said "his wife used to make statements which implied she was running the Navy and the Admiral was only acting at her behest".