Naxalism will be wiped out of the country by March 2026: Amit Shah

Taking a pledge to make Maharashtra BJP “unconquerable”, Shah exhorted party workers to relentlessly strive to capture each and every seat in the coming local body elections to wipe out the Opposition’s “politics of betrayal” in the state.

The victory in the state Assembly polls has put an end to politics of instability which was inherent since Sharad Pawar’s 1978 politics, he said, adding, “It has also put an end to Uddhav Thackeray’s betrayal who compromised Bal Thackeray principles and Hindutva to join Congress and NCP for power in 2019.”

Noting that the BJP’s victory in Maharashtra will have long-term consequences, Shah said the historic win shattered the INDIA bloc’s confidence.

Shah’s hard hitting attack against Sharad Pawar and Uddhav Thackeray comes at a time when overtures from Shiv Sena ( UBT) and NCP (SP) hinted at regional parties trying to mend fences with the BJP.

Shiv Sena UBT president Uddhav Thackeray indicated that when Bal Thackeray memorial in Mumbai is complete, they would invite the PM for inauguration. He had also met Fadnavis in Nagpur.

NCP (SP) leader Supriya Sule had praised Fadnavis last week, while at a party meet, Sharad Pawar credited RSS dedication and loyalty for BJP’s victory.

On the upcoming Delhi assembly polls, Shah said, “The year 2024 was especially significant for the BJP. The Modi government returned to power in the third term. We won Haryana third time. We won Odisha. In Andhra Pradesh, NDA was voted. Also in Sikkim. In Maharashtra, we got a a Devendra Fadnavis-led strong government. If Maharashtra has ended 2024 on a happy victory note, 2025 will see Delhi BJP striking success in Assembly polls. We will win the polls,” he asserted.

Praising Fadnavis, Shah said, “He had set in a process of bold reforms and welfare schemes (2014 govt under Fadnavis). He had undertaken measures to make Maharashtra drought free — a promise which will be pursued by the government in the next five years. I would urge the Opposition not to question but wait and watch. The government led by Fadnavis is going to transform the state through mega projects such as Samruddhi Mahamarg, Metro, FDI and agriculture reforms.”

Earlier, addressing a party conclave, Union Minister for Transport, Roads and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, said, “Almost 5,000 Naxals have surrendered in Gadchiroli. The district is soon emerging as the highest revenue generating with steel projects and rapid development.”

Gadkari said, “Gadchiroli, which was a Naxal district, the most dreaded of remote villages, was feared and nobody dared to visit. Things are changing now.”