Amit Shah Delivers Sharp Critique of Maoism, Links It to Ideology Over Underdevelopment
Union Home Minister Amit Shah mounted a forceful ideological critique of Maoism on Sunday, asserting that Left-wing extremism (LWE) is not a consequence of underdevelopment or merely a law-and-order issue. Instead, he described it as a product of an ideology that rejects constitutional methods and legitimises violence as a political tool.
Historical Data Contradicts Development Narrative
Speaking at the 'Chhattisgarh@25: Shifting the Lens' conclave in Raipur, Shah declared that the belief Maoist violence stems primarily from lack of development is "misleading and dangerous". He argued this view ignores both historical data and ground realities. "If ideology was not the problem, why is this movement called Maoism?" he questioned, emphasising that the insurgency derives its logic from a belief system seeking solutions through armed struggle rather than democratic debate and the Constitution.
Shah provided a historical perspective, noting that when LWE began spreading in the 1980s, Bastar was not India's most underdeveloped region. "At that time, more than 100 districts in the country were more backward than Bastar, yet Maoism did not take root there," he stated, contending the insurgency expanded selectively due to ideological mobilisation, not economic deprivation.
Accusations of Systematic Destruction and Political Shelter
The Home Minister rejected attempts to frame Maoism as a spontaneous tribal uprising. He accused Maoist groups of systematically destroying institutions meant to empower local communities. "They burnt primary schools, shut down PHCs and CHCs, and ensured that two generations of tribal children remained illiterate in Bastar," Shah alleged, adding that welfare delivery—including ration cards, bank accounts, housing, and healthcare—was blocked for years because Maoists prevented state entry into large swathes of Bastar.
Shah escalated his attack on the previous Bhupesh Baghel-led Congress government in Chhattisgarh, claiming without hesitation that the administration "gave shelter" to Maoists. He contrasted this with the current government's approach, which he said prioritises constitutional solutions over violence. "Every problem in India has a solution through the Constitution and debate," Shah affirmed, criticising Maoists for handing guns to poor tribal youth and promoting the slogan of a 'red corridor' from Tirupati to Pashupati.
Appeal for Surrender and Security Obligations
On intensified security operations in Chhattisgarh and other regions, Shah emphasised the government does not seek bloodshed and prefers surrender over confrontation. "We do not want to fire bullets," he said, appealing to armed Maoists to lay down their weapons. He made a specific promise: "If all armed Maoists surrender, we will welcome them on a red carpet." Addressing women cadres directly, he added, "I request women Maoists to come forward—a great life is waiting for you."
Simultaneously, Shah stressed the state's constitutional obligation to act when armed groups take law and order into their own hands. "If weapons are raised against the state and the people, it is the government's duty to provide security," he asserted, revealing that nearly 90% of the Maoist problem has already been resolved ahead of the March 31 deadline set by the Centre to root out LWE.
Comparative Governance and Ideological Legacy
Shah pointed out that India has experienced governance shaped by three ideological streams over the last 75 years—Congress, BJP, and Communists—and claimed comparative performance data would show the BJP has performed the best. He criticised regions governed by communist ideology for failing to deliver development, even when speaking in the name of welfare.
"The ideological legacy of Maoism and communism has brought only darkness wherever it went. And the shrinking footprint of communist politics in India reflected public rejection of that worldview," Shah added, reiterating the Centre's commitment to eliminate the remaining Maoist presence by March 31. He emphasised that dismantling the insurgency's ideological appeal is as crucial as neutralising armed cadres.
