Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a strong critique of the Congress party on Friday, accusing it of nurturing an “urban Naxal ecosystem” that, he claims, infiltrated institutions and worked to obscure Maoist violence throughout its tenure.
During his speech at the NDTV World Summit, Modi remarked, “Those who flaunt copies of the Constitution continue to shelter Maoist terror,” pointing to perceived hypocrisy among the opposition. While he did not mention Rahul Gandhi by name, Gandhi is frequently seen carrying a copy of the Constitution in public.
Modi emphasized the grave impact of Maoist violence, asserting that it has resulted in the loss of thousands of lives and is a disservice to the nation. He noted that since taking office in 2014, his administration has made significant strides in reducing Naxal violence across India, with the number of Maoist-affected districts declining from 125 to just 11. He attributed this success to the efforts of security forces and a focus on developmental initiatives in impacted regions.
In his remarks regarding national sovereignty, Modi stated that a self-reliant India would no longer remain passive. He referenced India’s responses to various challenges, including surgical strikes and airstrikes, asserting, “Now, the self-reliant India does not stay silent.” He also underscored the country’s economic resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing India’s status as the fastest-growing economy.
Modi expressed optimism about eradicating Naxalism and Maoist violence, stating, “The day is not far when India will be totally free from Naxalism and Maoist violence — this too is Modi’s guarantee.” He highlighted that regions once under Naxal influence may soon celebrate Diwali for the first time in six to seven decades. Additionally, he revealed that in the past 75 hours, 303 Naxals have surrendered and revealed the recovery of a large cache of ammunition from those who had previously showcased their weaponry.
