Surrender by March 31, 2026; will finish Naxalism: Shah warns Maoists

Hyderabad: Union Home Minister Amit Shah today cautioned Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy against allowing Telangana to become a Maoist den.

Speaking at a rally after inaugurating the National Headquarters of the Turmeric Board in Nizamabad, Shah ruled out any possibility of talks with Maoists. He asked the insurgents of the banned outfit to surrender and join the mainstream.

Warning to Telangana Government

He cautioned Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy not to allow Telangana to become a Maoist den, alleging that the Congress may shelter Maoists who are on the run across the country. “He may do anything, but I say again, we will finish Naxalism from the entire country by March 31, 2026,” Shah asserted.

No talks with armed groups

Speaking at a rally after inaugurating the National Headquarters of the Turmeric Board in Nizamabad, Shah said, “Congress asks the Centre to hold discussions with these people (Maoists). Our government’s policy is clear – no talks with those who hold arms. Give up weapons, surrender, and join the mainstream.”

He added that around 10,000 people in the Northeast have surrendered arms, joined the mainstream, and even contested elections at various levels. Similarly, in the past 18 months, over 2,000 Maoists have surrendered.

Deadline to end Naxalism

Issuing a stern warning, Shah said, “If you don’t surrender, we have decided that before March 31, 2026, Naxalism will be finished in this country.”

Highlighting the human cost of Maoist violence, he said that in the past four decades, 40,000 people lost their lives in Maoist-affected Adivasi regions, with countless others injured or maimed.

He questioned those who speak in favour of Maoism, asking what they would tell the families of Adivasis and security personnel who died due to Maoist violence.

Strong reply to terror attacks

Shah also targeted Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for raising questions about Operation Sindoor, suggesting he should look at the weakened state of Pakistan to understand its impact.

He recounted India’s response to major terror attacks in the past 11 years, including surgical strikes after Uri, air strikes after Pulwama, and recent retaliatory action after the Pahalgam terror attack. “Rahul Baba, what kind of proof are you asking for? See Pakistan’s bad situation, then you will understand,” he mocked.

Criticism of Congress and BRS

Accusing the Congress government in Telangana of inaction against alleged corruption in the previous BRS regime, he said, “Telangana, which was once the ATM of BRS president K Chandrasekhar Rao, has now become the ATM of Congress in Delhi.”

He charged that both parties indulge in similar corruption and defence of Maoists.

Call for Double-Engine Government

Seeking support for the BJP in Telangana, Shah said only a double-engine government under PM Modi can ensure welfare and progress for Dalits, backward classes, farmers, Adivasis, women, and youth.

He highlighted the NDA’s pro-farmer policies, including the direct transfer of Rs 6,000 annually under PM Kisan Samman Nidhi, as a testament to its commitment to farmers’ welfare.