UP Ministers Back Amit Shah’s Claim Of Near Maoist-Free India; Praise Crackdown

Ministers in Uttar Pradesh on Tuesday welcomed Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s statement that India has virtually become Maoist-free, noting that the central and state leadership structures of the insurgent movement have been largely dismantled ahead of the government’s March 31 deadline.

The leaders expressed gratitude to the Centre, highlighting its sustained and proactive efforts in curbing Maoist activity across the country. They said the government’s decisive actions have significantly weakened the insurgency.

Speaking in the Lok Sabha on Monday, Shah outlined progress made under the government’s zero-tolerance approach to Maoism. He stated that the Maoists’ central committee leadership has either been neutralised or forced to surrender, with 12 top members killed and only one remaining at large.

At the state level, similar outcomes have been recorded. Shah added that over the past three years, 4,839 Maoists have surrendered, 2,218 have been arrested, and 706 have been neutralised in encounters.

State Leaders React

Reacting to the announcement, Uttar Pradesh Minister Anil Rajbhar praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Amit Shah. He said they are tackling what he described as a major national challenge.

The Minister added that the eradication of Maoism reflects strong governance and commitment to national unity.

Amit Shah also criticised Rahul Gandhi and the Indian National Congress. He accused them of fostering Maoism and providing ideological support to Left-Wing Extremism.

Shah referred to a slogan shared by Gandhi following the neutralisation of a Maoist leader. The leader had been wanted in connection with the killing of 172 security personnel.

Another Uttar Pradesh Minister, Om Prakash Rajbhar, supported Shah’s remarks. He stated that the Centre remains committed to eliminating all threats to national security. This includes those with cross-border links.

With Maoist networks significantly weakened across affected states, Shah expressed confidence that India is close to achieving a Maoist-free status once the remaining formalities are completed.

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