NEW DELHI, Jun 22: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday launched a sharp attack on the Congress over the prolonged Maoist insurgency, asserting that successive governments failed to address the challenge effectively while his administration adopted a development driven approach to bring lasting change.
Speaking at the Republic Summit 2026 in New Delhi, Modi said regions once plagued by Left-wing extremism are witnessing rapid progress due to targeted welfare initiatives and infrastructure development. He remarked that those who now invoke the Constitution lacked the confidence to uphold its values when Maoist violence was at its peak.
The Prime Minister said earlier governments viewed Naxal-affected regions merely as backward areas, whereas the NDA government focused on transforming them into centres of growth and opportunity. As part of this shift, the Centre introduced the concept of aspirational districts and blocks to accelerate development and improve governance in underserved regions.
Modi noted that many of these districts, once synonymous with violence and deprivation, are now contributing significantly to regional development. He added that government welfare programmes have helped millions improve their living standards, with several aspirational districts emerging as success stories.
Highlighting the security situation, the Prime Minister said tribal and remote areas had remained isolated for decades due to extremist activities, which hindered infrastructure projects and restricted administrative outreach. According to him, development and security efforts undertaken after 2014 have substantially weakened Maoist networks.
Citing official figures, Modi said more than 17,000 incidents of Maoist related violence and nearly 7,000 deaths were recorded between 2004 and 2014. He asserted that a combination of security measures, improved governance and welfare interventions has significantly reduced the threat, adding that Maoist terrorism is now in its final phase.
The Prime Minister also described India as a trusted global power and one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, saying the country is laying the foundation for long-term progress and shaping its future trajectory for the coming centuries.