Naxalism spread due to ideology, not poverty or lack of development: Amit Shah

Union Home Minister Amit Shah addressed the Lok Sabha, rejecting claims that Naxalism spread due to poverty and underdevelopment. He stated that Left-wing extremists chose regions like Bastar and Naxalbari because of difficult terrain and limited state presence, not economic backwardness. Shah cited 1960s data showing that literacy rates and per capita income were similar across Naxalbari, Bastar, Saharsa, and Ballia, yet Naxalism only took root where dense forests and geographical cover existed. He emphasised, 'Naxalism did not spread because of poverty; rather, poverty persisted in these regions because of Naxalism.' Shah questioned why tribals, who once revered heroes like Birsa Munda, began following Mao, attributing it to ideological manipulation rather than injustice. He asserted that Naxalites deliberately destroyed schools, banks, and hospitals to prevent development. Shah firmly stated that taking up arms is not a democratic solution, and that his government will ensure justice for all through constitutional means.