Cong encouraged Naxalism in Chhattisgarh for decades: PM

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said Naxalism got encouragement for decades in Chhattisgarh and other states due to policies of the Congress.

Addressing a public meeting at Mohbhattha village in Bilaspur district, Modi said the situation was rapidly changing and a new era of peace was setting in Naxal-hit areas.

He laid the foundation stone and inaugurated development projects of more than Rs 33,700 crore related to various sectors.

Targeting the Congress, Modi said even the biggest treasury becomes empty due to dishonesty and brain like Congress.

“Over the decades, Naxalism got encouragement in many states, including Chhattisgarh, due to policies of the Congress. Whichever region lagged in development, Naxalism flourished. What did the party that ran the government for 60 years do? It declared such districts as backward and turned away from its responsibility,” he said.

He said many mothers lost their sons and sisters lost their brothers due to Maoist violence.

“The indifference of erstwhile governments was like adding fuel to the fire. You have also suffered it (the Naxal menace). The (previous) Congress government never took care of amenities of poor tribals,” Modi said, highlighting the Centre’s Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and Ayushman Bharat Yojana, which provides free treatment up to Rs 5 lakh.

Modi said those who lie about social justice were the same people who had forgotten the tribal society. “This is why I say ‘Modi takes care of those who were ignored’,” he said.

He said the situation in Chhattisgarh has been rapidly changing under the double-engine government.

“Due to development and welfare efforts, a new era of peace is seen in the Naxal-affected areas. In December, I spoke about the Bastar Olympics in the ‘Mann Ki Baat’ episode.

“The participation of thousands of youths in the Bastar event is proof of an imminent change in Chhattisgarh. I can see a bright future for the state’s youths,” Modi added.

He said the BJP government not only builds houses for people but also ensures enriching the lives of residents.