Union Home Minister Amit Shah said Naxalism is in its “last breath” and has almost been eliminated from Chhattisgarh’s Bastar region, once the epicentre of Maoist violence. His statement comes just ahead of the Centre’s March 31 deadline to end Naxalism.
Speaking in the Lok Sabha, Shah said Bastar is now moving steadily on the “path of development”. He credited security forces, state police, and local tribal communities for the significant progress on the ground.
Thousands Surrender, Violence Declines
Highlighting recent figures, Amit Shah said over 4,800 Naxals have surrendered and joined the government’s rehabilitation programme. He noted that only two districts in the country remain affected by Naxal activity.
He also pointed out that 706 Naxals were killed in the past three years, underlining the government’s strong action against Maoist violence.
Shah Targets Congress Over Tribal Welfare
Taking aim at the Congress, Shah accused the party of failing to ensure welfare benefits reached tribal communities in Naxal-affected areas during its time in power. He dismissed claims that underdevelopment was the root cause of the insurgency, instead blaming ideology.
“The root cause of Naxalism is not the demand for development. It is an ideology that Indira Gandhi embraced in 1970 to win the presidential election. Naxalism spread because of this Leftist ideology,” he said.
He further accused Opposition leaders of sympathising with Naxal elements. “Those who speak for Naxals should look within. Why could they not end it from 1970 till now?” he asked.
Historical Context and Tribal Disconnect
Placing the issue in a broader context, Shah said tribal communities, once inspired by leaders like Birsa Munda, Tilka Manjhi and Rani Durgavati, were gradually drawn towards Maoist ideology due to gaps in governance.
“The previous governments never truly reached them,” he said, alleging that a “false narrative” was spread among tribal populations.
He added that Maoist violence has claimed nearly 20,000 young lives and affected around 120 million people, calling it a major failure of past governments that tribal regions remained deprived of development.
Red Corridor and Past Challenges
Describing the peak of the insurgency, Shah said 12 states, including Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha and Maharashtra, were once part of the so-called Red Corridor, where governance had nearly collapsed.
“Crores of people lived in poverty and thousands of young lives were lost,” he said.
He also referred to a past remark by former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who had described Naxalism as a bigger threat than terrorism in Kashmir and insurgency in the Northeast. Shah questioned why stronger action was not taken despite such concerns.
‘India Close to Becoming Naxal-Free’
Highlighting developments since 2014, Shah said the government has resolved several long-standing issues. “Article 370 and 35A were removed, the Ram Temple has been built, GST and CAA have been implemented and 33 per cent reservation for women was ensured. Many aspirations since Independence have been fulfilled in the past 12 years,” he said.
He reiterated that India is now close to becoming free of Naxalism. “Naxalism has been virtually eradicated from Bastar,” he added.
Welfare Push Reaches Remote Areas
Shah said government schemes are now reaching even the most remote villages. “A campaign has been launched in every village. Schools are being built, ration shops opened, hospitals established. People now have Aadhaar and ration cards, receive food grains, and LPG cylinders are being distributed,” he said.
Firm Warning Against Violence
At the same time, the Home Minister issued a strong warning against armed movements. “This is the government of Narendra Modi. Whoever takes up arms will be dealt with firmly,” he said.
He stressed that violence has no place in a democracy. “You cannot reject the Constitution and pick up weapons. This will not be tolerated.”
He added that while the government remains open to dialogue and addressing grievances, it will not allow armed groups to disrupt governance or dictate terms.
Shah also noted that 92 per cent of weapons used by Naxalites were looted from police forces, highlighting the intensity of the conflict.
PM Modi Praises Shah’s Speech
Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Shah’s speech, calling it “outstanding” and rich in facts and historical insight.
In a post on X, Modi said Maoist ideology had long hindered development and negatively impacted the future of many young people. He added that the government is working to eliminate Left-Wing Extremism while ensuring development reaches affected regions.
