“60 Years of Congress Rule Fueled Naxalism”: Amit Shah
Home Minister says Maoist menace almost eliminated, Bastar now on development path
- Amit Shah says Naxalism is on verge of extinction
- Claims Bastar region now moving towards development
- Govt reiterates surrender-or-face-action policy
- BJP-Congress clash erupts over Maoism legacy
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 30th March: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday asserted in the Lok Sabha that India is on the verge of becoming “Naxal-free,” with Left Wing Extremism nearly eradicated across the country.
Participating in a discussion ahead of the government’s March 31 deadline to eliminate Maoist violence, Shah said the process is almost complete and a formal announcement will follow.
“Naxalism in the country is now on the verge of extinction… we have become Naxal-free,” he said.
Highlighting progress in Bastar, once considered the epicentre of Maoist activity, Shah said the region is now witnessing development after decades under the shadow of violence.
He cited initiatives such as establishing schools, ration shops, and healthcare centres in every village, along with issuing Aadhaar and ration cards to ensure welfare delivery.
“The shadow of Red Terror has been lifted… Bastar is now on the path of development,” he said.
The Home Minister reiterated the government’s policy of offering rehabilitation to those who surrender, while warning that violence would be met with a firm response.
“We are open to dialogue with those who lay down arms, but those who continue violence will face strong action,” he added.
The debate also triggered a political face-off, with BJP members blaming decades of Congress rule for the spread of Maoism.
Shah said Maoist violence had claimed around 20,000 lives and impacted over 120 million people, alleging that tribal regions were neglected during earlier governments.
He referred to former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s statement describing Naxalism as a major internal security threat, questioning the lack of action at the time.
The remarks come as security forces report a sharp decline in Maoist activity across several states, marking a turning point in India’s long battle against Left Wing Extremism.
