'India has become free from Naxal violence’: Amit Shah makes bold claim ahead of deadline

Speaking in the Lok Sabha during a discussion on internal security, Shah said the country has effectively become “Naxal-free,” with only a formal announcement pending.

He reiterated that the government had set a deadline of March 31 to eradicate Maoist violence nationwide.

Highlighting the transformation in Bastar, Shah said sustained efforts have led to significant improvements in basic infrastructure and welfare delivery.

He noted that schools have been established in villages across the region, ration shops opened to ensure food access, and healthcare facilities such as Primary Health Centres and Community Health Centres expanded at the tehsil and panchayat levels.

He added that residents have been issued Aadhaar and ration cards and are now receiving subsidised food grains.

“The people of Bastar were left behind because the shadow of ‘Red Terror’ loomed over the region, preventing development from reaching them. Today, that shadow has lifted, and Bastar is moving forward,” he said.

Reaffirming the government’s approach, Shah said it remains open to dialogue with Maoists who lay down their arms, offering rehabilitation and reintegration.

However, he warned that those who continue to engage in violence would face firm action.

The debate also triggered a political exchange, with the ruling party targeting the Indian National Congress for the spread of Maoism during its decades in power.

Shah said the insurgency, which has claimed around 20,000 lives and affected millions, reflected a failure to deliver development to tribal communities.

He also cited former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who had once described Naxalism as one of the country’s biggest internal security challenges, questioning why stronger action was not taken earlier.

The government maintains that a combination of security operations and development initiatives has significantly weakened Maoist influence, though isolated pockets of activity are still reported in some remote areas.