NEW DELHI: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday held the Congress party responsible for the protracted Naxal violence in India, asserting that the party did “nothing” to resolve the issue during its prolonged periods in power. Shah made these remarks in the Lok Sabha while participating in a debate on efforts to eradicate left-wing extremism (LWE) from the country.
According to details received by The Chenab Times, Shah stated that for decades, 12 states were part of the “Red Corridor,” characterized by a lack of rule of law, affecting the lives of 12 crore people living in poverty. He highlighted that Naxal violence had claimed approximately 20,000 lives, including 5,000 security personnel.
Addressing the opposition, Shah questioned the Congress’s track record, stating, “In 75 years, you ruled for 60 years, why have the tribals still been deprived of development? The development of tribals is now being done by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.” He accused the Congress of failing to provide basic amenities such as houses, clean water, schools, and banking facilities to tribal communities during their governance.
The Home Minister further recalled that former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had acknowledged Naxalism as a more significant challenge than issues in Kashmir and the Northeast. However, Shah contended that despite this acknowledgment, the Congress government “did nothing about it.”
Government’s Stance on Left-Wing Extremism
Shah’s statements come ahead of a self-imposed deadline by the government to eliminate Naxal violence. Last year, he had announced plans to end LWE by March 31, 2026, following a major offensive against Maoist groups.
The Home Minister reiterated the government’s zero-tolerance policy towards violence in all affected regions, including Naxal-hit areas, Jammu and Kashmir, and the Northeast. He assured that strong action would be taken against any individuals or groups involved in such activities.
Shah emphasized the progress made in Bastar, Chhattisgarh, a region historically affected by Naxal insurgency. He noted that the “shadow of red terror” is lifting, paving the way for development in Bastar. He credited the success against Naxals to the dedication of security forces, including personnel from Cobra and CRPF, intelligence agencies, Chhattisgarh Police, DRG personnel, and the cooperation of tribal inhabitants.
Constitutional Path to Grievance Redressal
The Home Minister asserted that the Modi government would not tolerate anyone resorting to arms. He stated that advocating for Naxalism is misguided, and individuals who take up arms must face consequences. Shah reminded the assembly that the Constitution provides the framework for addressing injustices, and resorting to violence is not a legitimate solution.
He highlighted the ongoing campaigns in Bastar to establish schools and ration shops in every village as part of the development initiatives. Shah declared that Naxalism has been “almost completely eradicated” from Bastar, underscoring this as a significant achievement of the current government.
The Chenab Times News Desk