Opposition questions Left-wing extremism debate in Lok Sabha; flags jobs crisis, ‘Hindutva extremism’ & tribal concerns

NEW DELHI: Slamming the governing BJP for scheduling a discussion on Left-wing extremism (LWE) in Lok Sabha, the opposition on Monday asked why the Modi govt was not discussing in Parliament issues such as the West Asia war, “extremism” in the name of Hindutva, growing unemployment and rising atrocities against Dalits and weaker sections. Many speakers warned that favouring corporates to exploit mineral resources in tribal areas could trigger resentment among locals, which, along with exploitation, has been at the root of the Naxal problem.

Congress MP Saptgiri Ulaka said the BJP did not lose any member in the Maoist violence, as it did not lose anyone in the freedom struggle. He said Congress governments had fought Naxalites and also lost members, like the entire Chhattisgarh party brass in the Jheeram Ghati massacre. He alleged the March 31 deadline appeared linked to the interests of some corporates, a point referred to by many other opposition MPs.