".... Those who use bullets will be answered with bullets” ::: Big Message from Amit Shah on Naxalism :::: “Comparing people who take up arms and kill innocents with martyrs in not acceptable"

 By Nirendra Dev

The Home Minister said Left-wing extremism has been nearly eradicated, particularly in strongholds like Bastar, now “on the path of development.”

Over 4,800 Naxals have surrendered and joined rehabilitation programmes

Only two districts remain significantly affected

706 Naxals neutralised in the last three years

Shah reiterated the government’s dual approach: “Talks will be held only with those who lay down arms; 

those who use bullets will be answered with bullets.”

Launching a political offensive, Shah accused the Indian National Congress of enabling the spread of Naxalism and neglecting tribal development for decades. 

“Out of 75 years of independence, you ruled for 60 years. Why did tribal communities remain deprived?” he asked, crediting Narendra Modi’s government for accelerating development in affected regions.  

He also rejected comparisons between Maoists and freedom fighters: “Comparing people who take up arms and kill innocents with martyrs like Bhagat Singh and Birsa Munda is unacceptable.”

 ‘Red Corridor’ Shrinking

Shah said Naxalism once impacted 12 states, including Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Maharashtra, and parts of Andhra Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, forming a “Red Corridor” where governance had collapsed. He emphasized that democratic institutions—courts, legislatures, and local bodies—provide legitimate avenues for grievance redressal, dismissing armed struggle as unjustifiable in modern India.

The Big Attack

Shah’s Core Claim: “Naxalism spread because of Left ideology”

Foreign Link Allegation: Soviet-era support aided formation of communist parties

Delivering one of his sharpest attacks on Left-wing ideology in Parliament, Union Home Minister Amit Shah declared that Naxalism is in its “last phase” and blamed its spread on what he called “imported Leftist ideology,” drawing a direct political line to the Congress era.

Speaking in the Lok Sabha, Shah asserted that “Naxalism spread because of Left ideology”, arguing that the roots of communist movements in India were influenced by foreign forces. He claimed that the erstwhile Soviet Union played a role in facilitating the formation of communist parties globally, including in India.

“The moment a communist government was formed in Russia, the Communist Party of India was established here in 1925. The Russian government, through its sponsorship, facilitated the creation of communist parties across the world,” Shah said.  

‘Foreign Roots, Questionable Intent’

The Minister questioned the nationalist credentials of Left parties, stating: “How can a party—the very foundation of which was laid under the inspiration of a foreign nation—think about the best interests of our country?”

He further criticized Left groups for what he described as reliance on foreign ideological models: “Even in the selection of their ideals, they resort to imports from abroad.”

Security Update: 

Naxalism “in last breath,” major decline in violence

Data Points: 4,800+ surrenders, 706 killed in 3 years, only 2 key districts affected

Political Attack: Congress blamed for tribal neglect and Maoist spreadPolitics
Policy Line: Talks for those who surrender; strict action against armed groups

(The Raisina Hills)