Senior Congress leader Bhupesh Baghel questioned on Wednesday whether the issue of Naxalism has been resolved as claimed by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, stating that if the problem has ended, paramilitary forces should be allowed to return.

Baghel, the former Chief Minister, said, “They have said that they would end Naxalism by March 31. Did it end? If it has ended, then let the paramilitary forces return. We also want it to end. We all want the people of Bastar to live peacefully, without any fear.”

Baghel’s remarks came in response to Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s declaration in the Lok Sabha on Monday that India has largely become Naxal-free, calling it one of the Modi government’s major successes.

Shah asserted that Naxalism did not spread due to poverty but that Naxal activity exacerbated poverty. He attributed the root cause of Naxalism to left-wing ideology, which was historically supported by political leaders to gain electoral advantage.

He highlighted the Modi government’s efforts to promote development in previously neglected regions, contrasting past periods where Maoists hindered schools, dispensaries, and banks and misled locals about the reach of development.

Shah cited security operation results: 4,839 Naxalites have surrendered, 2,218 have been jailed, and 706 who refused to surrender were killed in encounters.

“We had set a target to make the region Naxal-free by March 31st. After the entire process, I’ll inform the nation. However, I can state with absolute confidence that we’ve indeed become Naxal-free,” he said.