Political Clash Erupts Over Naxal Campaign as Baghel Rejects Shah's Claims
A significant political confrontation has unfolded regarding the anti-Naxal campaign in Chhattisgarh, with former chief minister Bhupesh Baghel launching a strong rebuttal against Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Baghel characterized Shah's recent Lok Sabha statements as "blatantly false" and implored the central government leader to refrain from politicizing the sensitive Maoist issue.
Shah's Parliamentary Remarks Spark Controversy
The controversy originated from Amit Shah's address in the Lok Sabha on Monday during a discussion focused on Naxalism. In his remarks, Shah asserted that "Naxalism has been almost completely eradicated from Bastar" while criticizing the Congress party's historical approach to the problem. The Home Minister specifically targeted the previous Congress administration in Chhattisgarh, alleging they had "saved" Maoists during their tenure.
Amid opposition protests during his speech, Shah maintained he could provide evidence to support his claims and suggested that questions should be directed toward Bhupesh Baghel regarding the matter.
Baghel's Detailed Rebuttal on Social Media
Responding through social media platforms, the Congress leader issued a comprehensive rejection of Shah's allegations. Baghel highlighted that during the five-year Congress government in Chhattisgarh, multiple meetings of chief ministers from Naxal-affected states were conducted with participation from chief secretaries and directors general of police.
"The Centre never raised any objection during those meetings that the state was protecting Maoists," Baghel emphasized, challenging Shah to publicly release any evidence if the central government had indeed registered complaints about his administration's actions at that time.
Defense of Congress Government's Anti-Naxal Record
Baghel presented a robust defense of his government's efforts against Maoist extremism, stating that security forces under Congress leadership had continuously engaged in operations against Naxalites. He pointed to specific achievements, including the establishment of security camps deep within Bastar region during the Congress tenure.
"Many of the present operations would not have been possible without those earlier security camps," Baghel asserted, suggesting that current anti-Naxal successes build upon foundations laid during his administration.
Appeal to Keep Maoist Issue Above Partisan Politics
The former chief minister made an impassioned plea to keep the Maoist issue separate from political maneuvering. "The Maoist issue should not be reduced to partisan politics," he stated, noting that Congress has suffered profoundly from Maoist violence with the loss of several senior leaders in attacks.
In a sharply worded conclusion to his response, Baghel acknowledged that Shah was welcome to praise the central government's current campaign but cautioned against attempting to gain political advantage by "stepping on our back." The exchange highlights deepening political divisions over security policy as both parties position themselves on the sensitive issue of Left Wing Extremism in central India.
