Naxalism Rooted in Ideological Beliefs, Not Poverty: Amit Shah

In a session of the Lok Sabha, Union Home Minister Amit Shah asserted that poverty was not the primary catalyst for the spread of Naxalism in India. Rather, he claimed that the regions deeply affected by Left Wing Extremism remained impoverished due to the repercussions of Naxalism itself.

During the discussion on initiatives to combat Left Wing Extremism, Shah highlighted that Naxalism has seen significant decline in the Bastar region. He explained that the absence of development in these areas can be attributed to the pervasive influence of what he termed “Red Terror.” Shah emphasized that the ideological roots of Naxalism trace back to Leftist beliefs and suggested that this ideology, historically embraced for political gain, has adversely impacted development.

Shah referred to a number of states including Chhattisgarh, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Bihar, West Bengal, Kerala, parts of Karnataka, and specific districts in Uttar Pradesh, noting that a “Red Corridor” emerged across these regions, leading to a breakdown of law and order. He expressed concern over the plight of twelve crore individuals who faced prolonged poverty and the loss of thousands of young lives, questioning accountability for these circumstances.

The Home Minister reiterated the government’s stance on engaging in dialogue with Naxals willing to lay down their arms, stating that those promoting discussions must first renounce violence. He emphasized the administration’s commitment to rehabilitation for surrendered individuals, while firmly stating that violent actions would not be tolerated.

Shah also criticized the Congress party, alleging that tribal communities in the affected areas remained deprived of development during its governance. He noted that the benefits of various government initiatives are now reaching the people of Bastar, marking a significant shift in the region’s trajectory. Initiatives such as establishing schools in each village, opening ration shops, and providing healthcare facilities were highlighted as steps towards improving local conditions.

According to him, the efforts to eradicate Naxalism have genuinely altered the development landscape in Bastar, lifting the overshadowing threat of violence that previously hindered progress. Shah contended that the previous six decades of governance failed to provide essential services to tribal populations, which included housing, clean water, education, and communication access.

In referencing historical context, Shah recounted the establishment of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) in 1969, describing its goal as focused on overthrowing democracy through armed revolt, rather than promoting national development. He contrasted India’s democratic framework with the monarchical structures of nations like China and Russia, underlining the distinct challenges faced in India.

The debate on Left Wing Extremism in the Lok Sabha aimed to address ongoing challenges, with Shah’s comments serving as a pointed critique of prior governance and an outline of the current government’s strategies to counteract Naxalism and foster development in affected regions.

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