Home Minister Amit Shah declared that Naxalism is on its last legs, almost eradicated from Chhattisgarh’s Bastar region under the Modi government. He highlighted the progress during a Lok Sabha session, attributing the positive change to the combined efforts of security forces, state police, and local tribal communities.
According to Shah, over 4,800 Naxals surrendered and participated in the government’s rehabilitation initiatives. He emphasized that only two districts in the country remain affected by Naxalism, with 706 Naxals neutralized in the last three years, showcasing the government’s proactive stance against Maoist activities.
In a sharp critique of the Congress party, Shah blamed them for neglecting tribal welfare in Naxal-affected areas. He dismissed the notion that underdevelopment fueled insurgency, asserting that Naxalism stemmed from ideological roots embraced by Indira Gandhi in the 1970s. Shah accused the opposition of sympathizing with Naxal groups, questioning their failure to address the issue over decades.
Shah underscored the historical context, mentioning tribal leaders who inspired communities before Maoist ideology took root due to governance failures. He lamented the loss of young lives and the impact on millions of people, attributing it to Congress’s governance lapses.
Highlighting achievements since 2014, Shah listed resolving long-standing issues like Article 370, the Ram Temple construction, GST implementation, and women’s reservation. He reiterated the government’s commitment to making India Naxal-free, with Bastar witnessing significant development and expanded welfare schemes reaching remote areas.
While advocating for dialogue and grievance redressal, Shah emphasized a zero-tolerance policy towards armed violence, affirming the government’s stance against unconstitutional activities. He also highlighted the severity of the insurgency, noting that most Naxal weapons were stolen from police forces.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded Shah’s comprehensive speech, praising the government’s decade-long efforts to combat Naxalism and drive development in affected regions. Modi expressed determination to eliminate Left-Wing Extremism and ensure progress in these areas for a better future.