New Delhi, March 30 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that Union Home Minister Amit Shah's speech in the Lok Sabha on the Naxal problem was outstanding.
Earlier in the day, Shah delivered a speech in response to the debate in the Lok Sabha on 'Efforts to free the country from left-wing extremism (LWE)'.
"This is an outstanding speech by Home Minister Shri Amit Shah Ji, filled with important facts, historical context, and the efforts of our Government over the past decade," Modi said in a post on X.
For decades, the prime minister said, the "retrograde Maoist ideology" has hindered the development of several regions, and left-wing extremism has ruined the future of countless young people.
"In the last decade, our Government has worked towards eradicating this menace while also ensuring that the benefits of development reach areas affected by Naxalism. We will continue to focus on good governance and ensuring peace and prosperity for all," he said.
In his speech, Shah declared the country Naxal-free, with the apex body of the Maoists and the central structure almost completely dismantled. He also accused the Congress of doing "nothing" to end the long spell of violence perpetrated by the ultras.
The minister also alleged that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has been seen multiple times publicly with Naxal sympathizers, and has even posted videos on X that sympathize with the Maoists.
He claimed that former prime minister Indira Gandhi accepted the support of the Naxals in the 1970 election in then undivided Andhra Pradesh, and she remained influenced by the Maoist ideology.
"Experts say that without the support of those in power, the Red Corridor could not have been created," he said.
The debate was held a day before the deadline declared by Shah for the elimination of Naxal violence.
Last year, Shah had announced that LWE would end in the country by March 31, 2026.