HM Amit Shah Affirms BJP’s Resolve to Eradicate Left-Wing Extremism After Chhattisgarh Op

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 19th April. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has reaffirmed the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) commitment to eliminating left-wing extremism from India within one to two years. This statement follows a recent clash between security forces in Chhattisgarh and Maoists, resulting in the deaths of 29 left-wing extremists, including a high-ranking rebel leader, Shankar Rao, who carried a bounty of ₹25 lakh on his head.

In an exclusive interview with NDTV, Shah emphasized the BJP’s unwavering stance against Naxalism, describing it as undemocratic and in need of eradication.

“There has been no change to the BJP’s commitment against Naxalism,” he stated.

“I, PM Modi, and everyone have appealed to welcome those who lay down their weapons. But if you pick up arms, you will get an answer from security forces.”

Tuesday’s operation occurred in the Hapatola forest near Binagunda village within Chhattisgarh’s Kanker district. The operation, a joint effort by the Border Security Force (BSF) and the state police’s District Reserve Guard (DRG), resulted in a fierce gun battle. Three security personnel sustained injuries, highlighting the intensity of the encounter.

Shah addressed criticisms from the Congress, stating, “Congress has called this encounter fake. When Congress was in power in Chhattisgarh, there were no operations against Naxals. In 90 days, our government launched an operation, 87 Naxals have been killed, 123 Naxals have been arrested, and 253 have surrendered.”

Since Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai’s government assumed power in December 2023, Chhattisgarh has seen a surge in proactive counterinsurgency operations.

“The pace with which things are being done, Naxalism will be completely eradicated from India in one or two years,” asserted the home minister.

Tuesday’s operation in Kanker adds to the tally of 79 Maoists felled in separate clashes with security forces this year in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar region, which includes seven districts, including Kanker.