During the ‘Bharat Manthan’ 2025 event in Delhi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah declared that India is on track to eliminate Naxalism by March 31, 2026. He argued that the complete eradication of the Naxal movement requires more than just stopping armed activities; it requires addressing the ideological underpinnings and the support system that fuels Naxalism. Shah pointed out the need to understand who cultivated the ideology, provided legal backing, and financial assistance to the Naxal movement.
Shah stated that the fight against Naxalism necessitates identifying and addressing those who provide intellectual and material support to the movement. He expressed his sympathy for those who have suffered due to Naxal violence and acknowledged the contributions of those who have been involved in combating Naxalism. Addressing recent attempts to sow confusion, Shah clarified that there would be no ceasefire, and those who surrender would be provided with rehabilitation without facing violence. He criticized certain leftist parties for their selective outrage, highlighting their silence on the plight of victims of Naxal violence and questioning their focus. Shah asserted that Naxalism has hampered development, not the other way around. He also mentioned that significant infrastructural development, including 12,000 kilometers of road construction, has occurred in Naxal-affected areas since 2014.
Furthermore, Shah provided statistics on the anti-Naxal operations in 2024, with 290 Naxals killed, 1090 arrested, and 881 surrendering. Shah also highlighted the positive changes in Jammu and Kashmir following the abolition of Article 370. He noted a significant decrease in casualties among security forces and civilians and emphasized the successful conduct of local elections with high voter participation.