Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday declared that the complete eradication of Maoist violence in India is within reach, as he hailed the Centre’s sustained crackdown on Naxalism and red terror. Addressing a public gathering in Karakat, Bihar, PM Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation for development projects worth over ₹48,520 crore.
“The day is not far when Maoist violence will be completely eradicated from the country,” said PM Modi, emphasizing the government’s determined efforts to restore peace and stability in areas once plagued by Naxal insurgency.
Reflecting on the transformation, the Prime Minister highlighted that before 2014, over 75 districts across India were affected by Naxalite violence—a number that has now dropped to just 18. “The people of Bihar are witnesses to how we have eliminated those who spread violence and unrest,” he noted.
PM Modi also praised Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for his developmental efforts even during difficult times when Naxalism was deeply entrenched in regions like Sasaram. “These elements had no faith in Babasaheb Ambedkar. But despite that, Nitish Kumar worked for Bihar’s progress,” he said.
The Prime Minister underscored the state’s development trajectory, stating that Bihar has moved on from the days of “Jungle Raj.” He noted significant improvements in infrastructure, including modern highways, railway upgrades, and expanded air connectivity.
“When the Jungle Raj was dismissed under Nitish Kumar’s leadership, Bihar began its journey towards development. The era of broken roads and poor connectivity is behind us,” he remarked, adding that a network of four-lane highways and major bridges is under construction across the state.
PM Modi’s remarks come in the wake of a major anti-Naxal operation in Chhattisgarh’s Narayanpur district, where security forces recently eliminated 27 Naxals, including top CPI (Maoist) commander Basavaraju. Active in Naxalite activities for over four decades, Basavaraju was linked to more than 200 incidents of violence.
With continued security operations and development initiatives, the Prime Minister expressed confidence that India is on the cusp of completely eliminating the threat of Maoist violence.
