Stating that India would “soon be rid of the Naxal menace”, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Saturday that the number of districts affected by Maoists has dwindled from 125 to just three in the past 11 years.
In his speech at the Chhattisgarh Rajat Mahotsav in Nava Raipur to mark the 25th anniversary of the state’s formation, Modi also took a veiled dig at the Congress and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, saying those who “showed off a copy of the Constitution and shed crocodile tears in the name of social justice had, for decades, done injustice” by leaving the state to “suffer”.
“Friends, I’m very glad our Chhattisgarh is now being freed from the chains of Naxalism and Maoism,” he said. “For 50-55 years, what you suffered due to Naxalism was very painful. Because of Maoist violence, Chhattisgarh’s tribal belts did not get roads, schools or hospitals because these were blown up. Doctors and teachers were killed. Those (Congress) who ruled for decades left you to suffer while they sat in their AC rooms.”
The prime minister said he could not “leave his tribal brothers and sisters to be destroyed in this game of violence”.
“So, in 2024, when we were given the opportunity, we took an oath to rid India of Naxalism. Now, India is seeing the difference,” he said.
Eleven years ago, 125 districts across India were affected by Maoists, but today the number has declined to three, he said.
“But I guarantee to all my countrymen that the day when Chhattisgarh and every corner of India is freed of Maoist violence isn’t far. Those who took the path of violence are now dropping their weapons and have accepted the Indian Constitution,” he said, referring to the recent surrenders by top Maoist leaders.
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Speaking about the surrenders, he said: “In the past few months, dozens of Maoists, including many carrying rewards of lakhs and crores of rupees on their heads, have surrendered across the country. In Kanker, more than 20 Naxals laid down arms recently. Earlier in October, over 200 Maoists surrendered in Bastar. They have now accepted the Indian Constitution and chosen the path of peace.”
Citing examples of development in Chhattisgarh, Modi said villages such as Chilkapalli in Bijapur, which got electricity after 70 years, Rekawaya in Narayanpur, which got its first school, and Puarti in Sukma, the birthplace of the wanted Naxal leader Hidma, are now witnessing development.
“Instead of red flags (of the Maoists), the Tricolour is waved there,” he said. “Cultural and sports events such as Bastar Pandum and Bastar Olympics are being celebrated. If with such challenges as Naxalism, Chhattisgarh could still progress, can you imagine how much it will progress after Naxalism is eradicated?”
Before his speech, Modi visited the Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Hospital in New Raipur, where he met over 1,000 children being treated for heart disease. He later inaugurated the new Vidhan Sabha, the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Memorial and Museum, and the Shanti Shikhar — the Brahma Kumaris’ centre for spiritual learning.
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At the spiritual centre, Modi said: “Whenever a crisis arises anywhere in the world today, whenever a disaster strikes, India steps forward as a reliable partner to provide help. India is always the first responder.”
Inaugurating the new Vidhan Sabha, Modi said Chhattisgarh’s 25-year journey was inspiring and that the state, once associated with Naxal violence and backwardness, is now a “symbol of prosperity, security and stability.”
“The true significance of the new assembly building’s inauguration lies in our collective resolve to perform our duties with sincerity and uphold the spirit of democracy,” he said. “All of us need to remember that this legislative assembly is not just a place for making laws, but a vibrant centre and a powerful force in shaping the destiny of Chhattisgarh.
“Therefore, we must ensure that every idea emanating from here reflects the spirit of public service, the resolve for development, and the belief in taking India to new heights.”
With PTI inputs
