BJP claims credit for anti-Naxal ops, Congress says remark irresponsible

Ranchi: On the day when left-wing extremism suffered a major setback with the killing of 15 cadres, including senior CPI (Maoist) commander Patiram Majhi alias Anal Da, in a fierce encounter with security forces in the Saranda forest of West Singhbhum, both the ruling alliance and opposition parties in the state were locked in a war of words, each seeking credit for the success.

Opposition BJP leaders attributed the success to Union home minister Amit Shah’s pledge to eliminate the Naxals before March this year. On the other hand, Congress, a part of the ruling alliance in the state, slammed BJP for taking credit and termed the saffron party’s claim a mere political sloganeering.


Congratulating the security forces on the successful anti-Naxal operation, Jharkhand BJP unit state president and MP Aditya Sahu said, “The elimination of a large number of Naxalites without any casualties among the security forces side is a significant success for the forces. The operation is a result of the strong resolve of Union home minister Amit Shah and the central govt’s campaign to make India Naxal-free by March 26.”

He further said Naxalite violence cannot be the solution to any problem. Stating that peace and good governance are the only options for development, Sahu appealed to those still associated with the Naxal movement to leave the path of violence and embrace peace and join the mainstream.

Criticising Sahu’s statement, state Congress unit general secretary Alok Kumar Dubey said Naxalism is a serious issue, and BJP must refrain from making irresponsible comments on it.

“Congress has no doubts on the bravery and dedication of the security forces, but BJP is portraying it as their political victory, which is completely wrong. The solution to Naxalism lies not only in the use of force, but in development, trust, and social justice,” Dubey said.

Terming BJP’s claims of eradication of Naxalism by 2026 political slogannering, Dubey added, “Adivasis are still plagued with displacement, unemployment and neglect. Congress believes that Naxalism is a socio-economic problem, not merely a law and order issue. Its solution lies in dialogue, rehabilitation, employment, and providing opportunities for a dignified life. Congress, too, is against Naxal violence, but we also believe that lasting peace comes not from guns, but from development, trust, and justice.”