During a Deepavali celebration in Bastar, Chhattisgarh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the elimination of armed Maoists while warning of the continuing ideological threat posed by ‘dimagi Naxals’ who have infiltrated political institutions and are undermining constitutional values.
On November 8, 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi commemorated the festival of Deepavali at a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) camp in Bastar, Chhattisgarh, where he addressed the ongoing challenges posed by Maoist ideologies in India. His remarks came in the context of the government’s declaration on March 31, 2026, which proclaimed the nation free from armed Naxalism, a term that refers to left-wing extremist movements that have plagued various regions of the country.
Modi articulated a distinction between the armed Maoists, who he claimed have been effectively eradicated from the forests, and their ideological counterparts known as ‘dimagi Naxals’. He stated these ideological supporters have infiltrated various political parties and organizations, instigating dissent against the Constitution and undermining democratic values. “We must identify and defeat such elements and secure the country,” Modi asserted, emphasizing the need for vigilance against these ideological threats.
Historical Context of Naxalism
The struggle against Naxalism has been a critical issue in Indian politics, particularly in areas like Bastar, which have been significantly affected by left-wing extremism. Modi recalled the extensive impact of Naxalism, which at its peak affected over 230 districts across nearly 20 states. This resulted in a chilling average of around 2,000 Naxalite attacks annually, showcasing the dire security situation. Between 2004 and 2013, the number of security personnel killed each year often exceeded the number of Naxalites eliminated, reflecting the challenges faced by previous administrations in effectively addressing this issue.
Modi was critical of past governments, suggesting they treated Naxalism as an “incurable disease” and failed to develop effective strategies to combat it. He argued that the lack of political will to confront these issues changed significantly after he took office in 2014, claiming that his government has revitalized the morale of security forces and empowered them to operate more freely against Maoist threats.
Security Measures and Policy Changes
In his address, Modi outlined the government’s recent actions aimed at dismantling the financial networks that support Naxalism. He stated that measures implemented by the current administration have significantly disrupted funding channels for Maoist groups and curtailed their operational capabilities. “These decisions and efforts dealt a major blow to the funding networks of Naxalites and secessionists. The fake currency nexus was destroyed, breaking their financial backbone and choking their supply lines,” he noted.
Furthermore, Modi asserted that the government has granted security forces greater autonomy in conducting operations, allowing them to respond decisively to threats without bureaucratic constraints. This shift, he claimed, has been pivotal in reducing violence and enhancing national security. He stated, “We gave security forces the freedom to take every necessary decision.” Modi also alleged that previous administrations had restricted security forces during ground operations, hampering their effectiveness against Maoist attacks.
Long-term Goals and Achievements
Modi emphasized that the ultimate aim of these security measures is to protect families and communities from the devastation caused by Naxalism. He expressed a commitment to ensuring that no mother loses her child to violence and that no youth feels compelled to take up arms. The Prime Minister highlighted the government’s broader objectives, which include poverty alleviation and national development. He referenced a World Bank report indicating that 50 crore people have been lifted out of extreme poverty in India over the past twelve years, a claim he juxtaposed against the historical failures of prior governments.
He also cited various achievements of his administration, including the abrogation of Article 370, the construction of household toilets nationwide, and increased vaccination coverage, asserting that these efforts reflect the government’s capability to fulfill its resolutions for a developed and self-reliant India. “What decades of ‘garibi hatao’ slogans could not achieve, the country accomplished in just 12 years,” he stated.
In conclusion, Modi’s comments made during the Deepavali celebration underscore the complex ongoing issues related to ideological extremism in India, as well as the government’s commitment to national security and social development. His framing of the issues reflects a broader narrative aimed at consolidating political support by emphasizing achievements in security and poverty alleviation while simultaneously calling for vigilance against ideological threats. As the nation continues to grapple with these challenges, the Prime Minister’s remarks serve to highlight the administration’s strategic focus on both eliminating armed threats and addressing the underlying ideological currents that may threaten democratic institutions.
