India now free of Naxalism but Rahul has become one due to proximity to Maoists: Amit Shah in LS

Mangalore Today News Network

New Delhi, Mar 31, 2026: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday asserted that India can now be considered largely free of Naxalism, while blaming the Indian National Congress for the prolonged spread of Left-wing extremism in the country.

Replying to a short-duration discussion in the Lok Sabha on efforts to eliminate Left-wing extremism, Shah targeted senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, alleging that his proximity to Maoist-linked groups reflects ideological alignment and that voters would respond to this in elections.

Shah also claimed that former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s political decisions during the 1969 presidential election, when she received support from Left parties, contributed to the spread of Maoist ideology in the country.

A day ahead of the March 31 deadline set for eliminating Naxalism, Shah said that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, sustained efforts had significantly weakened the movement. He stated that 20 of the 21 top leaders of the CPI (Maoist) — either from its Central Committee or Politburo — have been neutralised through arrests, surrenders, or encounters, while talks are ongoing with another leader still at large.

Accusing Congress of inaction during its decades in power, Shah said Maoist influence has been nearly eradicated from Bastar in Chhattisgarh, adding that tribal regions had long been deprived of development under previous governments.

“The root of Naxalism is not merely underdevelopment but an ideology that gained ground decades ago,” Shah said, alleging that Leftist politics enabled its spread.

He further criticised Rahul Gandhi, claiming that individuals and organisations linked to Naxal ideology participated in his Bharat Jodo Yatra and pointed to his interactions with figures associated with such movements.

Reiterating the government’s stance, Shah said the Modi administration would adopt a zero-tolerance approach towards violence. “Development in Bastar was long hindered by the shadow of extremism. That shadow is now receding, and the region is progressing,” he said.

He added that the government remains open to dialogue with those who renounce violence but warned that those who take up arms would face strict action.