'No talks': Amit Shah asks Naxalites to give up arms, join mainstream

Time of India

13 hours ago

Union home minister
Amit Shah
on Sunday ruled out any talks with naxalites and asserted that members of the banned group must give up arms, surrender, and join the mainstream.
Speaking at a rally after inaugurating the National Headquarters of the Turmeric Board in Nizamabad,
Telangana
, Shah further said that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who continues to question
Operation Sindoor
, should look at Pakistan's current weakened state to grasp the success of the operation.
'Congress asks (the Centre) to hold discussions with these people. Our government's policy is 'no talks' with those who hold arms. Give up weapons, surrender, and join the mainstream,' Shah said.
He highlighted that over 10,000 people in the Northeast have laid down arms and joined mainstream society, even contesting elections from local to state levels. In the last 18 months, more than 2,000 naxalites have surrendered.
'Give up weapons and surrender. If you don't surrender, we have decided that before 31 March 2026, Naxalism will be finished in this country,' he said.
Shah pointed out that around 40,000 lives have been lost in four decades of Naxal violence in Adivasi areas. He questioned what answer those who speak in support of Naxalism would give to the families of Adivasis and security personnel who have lost their lives to naxalist violence.
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He expressed concern that Congress might provide shelter to fleeing naxalites in Telangana, but assured people that the Modi government would not allow that to happen.
Addressing Telangana CM A Revanth Reddy, Shah said, 'He may do anything. But, I say again. We will finish Naxalism from the entire country by March 31, 2026.'
Shah also responded to Rahul Gandhi's questions on Operation Sindoor, asking him to look at Pakistan's weakened condition to understand the effectiveness of the operation.
'Even today, Rahul Gandhi keeps asking some or other questions. Rahul Baba, what kind of proof are you asking for? See Pakistan's (bad) situation, then you will understand,' he said.
Shah said the country had given strong responses to all major terror attacks over the last 11 years, from surgical strikes after Uri to air strikes post-Pulwama, and the recent retaliation following the Pahalgam terror incident.
Criticising the ruling Congress in Telangana, Shah said it had failed to act on corruption charges against the previous BRS government, including irregularities in the Kaleshwaram project and the Dharani land portal.
He alleged that Telangana, which was once the 'ATM of BRS president K Chandrasekhar Rao,' has now become the ATM of 'Congress in Delhi.'
Shah urged voters to support the BJP in the state and said only a 'double-engine' government with PM Modi could guarantee development and welfare for farmers, Dalits, backward classes, women, and youth.
Earlier, during the inauguration of the turmeric board's headquarters, Shah announced the Centre's aim of achieving $1 billion in turmeric exports by 2030.
He said the board would focus on branding, marketing, and R&D to secure better prices and global reach for farmers.
The Turmeric Board's establishment was a major promise during the 2023 Telangana Assembly elections and had been a long-standing demand of Nizamabad farmers.
Union ministers G Kishan Reddy, Bandi Sanjay Kumar, and Telangana ministers Tummala Nageswara Rao and D Anasuya Seethakka were also present at the event.