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Amit Shah names 'root causes' of Naxalism in Lok Sabha
New Delhi: Speaking in the Lok Sabha, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday attributed the rise of Naxalism in India to ideological factors rather than developmental issues. He argued that the spread of Naxalism was driven by the acceptance of left-wing ideology during the 1970s, particularly under the leadership of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
Shah claimed that political decisions taken during that period contributed to strengthening the ideological base of the movement, which later expanded across several states.
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The senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader sharply criticised the Indian National Congress, alleging that it failed to address the underlying issues in Naxal-affected regions for decades. He referred to the political context of the 1971 presidential election, suggesting that ideological alignments influenced support for V. V. Giri.
Shah questioned Congress’s accountability, asking who should be held responsible for the prolonged instability and violence in affected areas.
Highlighting the scale of the issue, Shah said that Naxalism once impacted a vast “Red Corridor” spanning multiple states, including Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, and parts of Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh. According to him, millions of people lived in poverty in these regions for years, with limited access to basic infrastructure.
He pointed to the loss of thousands of lives and long-term suffering of many others as a direct consequence of the movement’s expansion.
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Shah contrasted the earlier decades with the period after 2014, crediting the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for prioritising development in previously neglected areas. He said initiatives such as housing, sanitation, banking access, and digital connectivity have reached regions that were once cut off.
He also accused previous governments of failing to build essential infrastructure like schools, water supply systems, and communication networks.
Shah’s remarks are likely to intensify the ongoing political debate over the origins and handling of Naxalism in India. While the government emphasises development and security measures, opposition parties continue to question the narrative and policy outcomes.
