NewKerala.com

Amit Shah Declares Naxalism Nearly Eradicated in Bastar, Credits Modi Govt

Union Home Minister Amit Shah declared that Naxalism has been almost eradicated from the Bastar region, which is now on a path of development. He credited the Modi government for establishing schools, ration shops, and health centres in the area. Shah sharply criticized the Congress, questioning why tribal communities remained deprived of development during its long rule. He stated that the root cause of Naxalism is a leftist ideology and emphasized that demands must be raised through constitutional methods, not violence.

Key Points: Amit Shah: Naxalism Almost Eradicated from Bastar Region

  • Naxalism nearly eradicated in Bastar
  • New schools and health centres established
  • Shah targets Congress over tribal development
  • Violence rejected for constitutional methods
  • 12 crore people affected by Left Wing Extremism
3 min read

Naxalism has been almost eradicated from Bastar, the region is now on the path of development: Amit Shah in Lok Sabha

Home Minister Amit Shah states Naxalism is nearly gone in Bastar, cites new schools and health centres. He targets Congress over past tribal development.

"Today, Naxalism has been almost eradicated from Bastar. - Amit Shah"

New Delhi, March 30

Noting that the Modi government has taken several steps to usher development in areas that were affected by Left Wing Extremism, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Monday that Naxalism has been almost eradicated from Bastar and the region is now on the path of progress.

Replying to the debate in Lok Sabha on efforts to free the country from Left Wing Extremism, Amit Shah targeted Congress and asked why tribal communities remained "deprived of development" during its rule.

The Home Minister said the people of the Bastar were left behind in development parameters as "the shadow of Red Terror loomed".

"Today, Naxalism has been almost eradicated from Bastar. A campaign was launched to establish a school in every single village across Bastar. A drive was undertaken to open a ration shop in every village within the region. Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and Community Health Centres (CHCs) have been established in every Tehsil and Panchayat. Aadhaar cards and ration cards have been issued to the people, and they are now receiving five kilograms of food grains," he said.

"I simply wish to ask those who were here advocating on behalf of Naxalism: Why have the people not received these benefits till now?... The people of Bastar were left behind precisely because the shadow of 'Red Terror' loomed over the region; that is why development failed to reach them. Today, that shadow has been lifted, and Bastar is now on the path of development," he added.

Amit Shah said there can be no justification for violence and demands should be raised through constitutional methods.

"Out of the 75 years since independence, power remained in your (Congress) hands for 60 years. Why, then, have the tribal communities remained deprived of development to this day? It is only now, with the arrival of Narendra Modi, that actual development is taking place. For sixty years, you failed to provide them with homes or access to clean water; you built no schools for them; you prevented mobile towers and banking facilities from reaching their areas, and yet, now you are the ones demanding accountability?" he added.

The Home Minister said twelve crore people lived in poverty for years due to Naxalism and thousands of young lives were lost.

"The root cause of Naxalism is not the demand for development. It is an ideology--an ideology that Indira Ji embraced back in 1970 in order to win the presidential election. Naxalism has spread precisely because of this Leftist ideology," he said.

"Twelve states- Chhattisgarh, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Bihar, Bengal, Kerala, parts of Karnataka, and three districts of Uttar Pradesh were affected. A complete 'Red Corridor' was formed, and the rule of law ended there. Twelve crore people lived in poverty for years, and no one showed any concern. Thousands of young lives were lost. Many were left permanently disabled or crippled for the rest of their lives. Who is responsible for this?" he asked.

Lok Sabha took up debate on the efforts to free the country from Left Wing Extremism earlier in the day.

The government has said that Naxalism will be eliminated by the government by March 31 this year.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
While the reported progress is commendable, the speech felt overly political. The focus should remain on the people of Bastar and ensuring the development is sustainable and reaches everyone, not just scoring points against the opposition.
A
Arjun K
Finally! My cousin served in the CRPF in Sukma for 3 years. The stories he told... it was a nightmare for security forces and locals alike. If the region is truly opening up to schools and hospitals, it's a massive achievement. Jai Hind!
P
Priyanka N
The question about why development didn't reach tribals for 60 years is valid. But now is not the time for blame games. All parties, state and central governments, need to work together to ensure Bastar's youth have jobs and a future. The real test is what happens in the next 5 years.
V
Vikram M
"Almost eradicated" is the key phrase. We must remain vigilant. The development push with Aadhaar, rations, and health centres is the right way to win the long-term battle. Hearts and minds matter more than bullets.
K
Kavya N
As someone from a neighboring state, I've seen the fear associated with Bastar for decades. If mobile towers and banks are finally reaching there, it's a game-changer. Hope tourism and local industries can flourish now. Good news!

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50