Bhupesh Baghel Questions Claims of a Naxal-Free India

Senior Congress leader Bhupesh Baghel questions the Union Home Minister's declaration of a Naxal-free India. Baghel suggests that if Naxalism has ended, paramilitary forces should withdraw, emphasizing peace for Bastar. Amit Shah credits the Modi government for development efforts, claiming significant success against left-wing extremism.

Senior Congress figure, Bhupesh Baghel, expressed skepticism over Union Home Minister Amit Shah's assertion that India is now Naxal-free. Baghel suggests that if this is true, the paramilitary forces should be pulled out of the region. He stresses the desire for peace in Bastar, where hostilities have lingered.

Amit Shah, speaking earlier in the Lok Sabha, hailed the reduction of Naxal activity as a significant achievement of the Modi administration. He highlighted socio-economic initiatives implemented in areas previously under left-wing influence and reported on the surrender and arrests of numerous Naxalites.

Shah declared that due to the government's strong policies, states like Bihar, Maharashtra, Odisha, and Jharkhand have almost eradicated Naxal incidents. The 'Naxal Mukt Bharat' mission indicates a systematic downsize of extremist violence, aiming for a complete cessation by 2026.

(With inputs from agencies.)