Shah asks Naxals to lay down weapons, rules out dialogue

Home Minister Amit Shah ruled out any negotiations with Maoists, asking them to surrender as the Central Government aims to eradicate Maoism and Naxal ideology in the country by March 31, 2026.

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Speaking at a rally after inaugurating the National Headquarters of the Turmeric Board in Nizamabad, Telangana, Shah criticised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for questioning Operation Sindoor, suggesting that he should notice Pakistan's weakened state to appreciate the operation's success.

“The Congress asks the Centre to hold discussions with Maoists. Our government's policy is 'no talk' with those who wield weapons. They must lay down their arms, surrender and join the mainstream,” Shah said.

He emphasised that those who resort to violence will not be spared, reiterating the government's firm approach to extremism. Shah noted that over 1,500 Naxals have surrendered in the past 18 months, and more than 10,000 former militants in the North East have renounced violence to participate in the democratic process.

Attacking the Congress-led Telangana government, Shah questioned their call for dialogue with Maoists. “What will you say to the families of the thousands of tribals who have lost their lives due to Naxal violence? Can you justify engaging with those who murder police officials, security personnel, and innocent civilians?” he asked, asserting that Naxalism has “devastated India for decades.” He posed a direct question to the public: “Should we eliminate Naxals or not?”

Shah urged Chief Minister Revanth Reddy to understand that the people gave him power to govern and eliminate the Naxal ideology. “I fear the Congress might turn Telangana into a haven for Maoists from across the country,” he said.

Shah attacked both the Congress and Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), accusing them of massive corruption and political hypocrisy. He said the BRS was rejected by the people for huge corruption, but the Revanth Reddy government has not booked a single case against the previous BRS regime.