Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday accused Congress of nurturing Naxalism for decades instead of working to eliminate it.
Addressing the Chhattisgarh Rajyotsav closing ceremony in Naya Raipur, Shah alleged that the party had used armed groups as pawns for 30 years.
“There was never any genuine intent to eradicate Naxalism; instead, it was nurtured,” he said.
Shah questioned those defending Naxalism in the name of human rights, asking whether they recognised the rights of poor tribal communities affected by violence.
The Home Minister contrasted the Modi government’s approach with that of the previous Congress administration. He recalled that in 2010, the then government had reportedly asked Naxals to stop violence without surrendering their weapons.
Shah said the present government required those seeking surrender to lay down their arms and join the mainstream. He claimed that 90 per cent surrendered and security forces killed the remaining 10 per cent.
The Minister alleged that Naxals destroyed schools, roads and development infrastructure, while children abducted and forced to take up arms.
Shah accused Rahul Gandhi of supporting unconstitutional parallel governments and mocking Parliament. He said the Modi government was ready to discuss any issue, including through a special parliamentary session.
Shah urged critics to visit Bastar and witness development. He praised initiatives such as Bastar Pandum and Bastar Olympics for preserving folk traditions, music and tribal culture.
The Minister announced plans to plant five lakh peepal saplings in Raipur, aiming to develop it into a Peepal City and an environmentally friendly urban centre.
Shah congratulated Chhattisgarh’s people on the state becoming Naxal-free and commended the CRPF and state police. He further paid tribute to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee for creating the state.
Earlier, Shah inaugurated Viksit Bharat Sankalp Park.
The ceremony, presided over by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, honoured distinguished state contributors.
Also Read: Chhattisgarh Naxal-Free: Amit Shah Sets Ambitious Target To Make State A Top Tourism Destination
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