Terrorists, Maoists emboldened when Congress comes to power: Modi in Chhattisgarh

PM Modi slams Chhattisgarh government for encouraging illegal immigration, snatching tribal lands, failing to control Naxalite violence. He highlights need for better safety, accuses Congress of human trafficking, drug trade, not providing equal opportunities to those educated in native languages. He cites achievements of his government reiterates promise of free foodgrains, free treatment, toilets, gas connections, women's reservation, triple talaq law.

Launching a frontal attack on the Chhattisgarh government, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday alleged that the morale of terrorists and Maoists goes up whenever the Congress is in power. 

Addressing a poll rally in Bishrampur in Surajpur district in the tribal heartland of Sarguja, Mr. Modi also accused the State government of encouraging illegal immigration and snatching tribal lands for appeasement. He further slammed the government for the murders of Bharatiya Janata Party workers in the insurgency-affected southern tribal belt of Bastar, which went to the polls in the first phase of the Chhattisgarh Assembly election on Tuesday.

“In whichever State the Congress assumes power, the rule of crime and loot prevails there. The Congress government has failed to control Naxalite violence. In the past few days, BJP workers have been snatched away from us; just a few days ago, our friend was shot dead and his life was destroyed. So brothers and sisters, do we have to live under the shadow of bombs and guns? No matter how much money you have, if your son does not return home in the evening and your son’s dead body comes home, what will you do with the money?” he said. 

Highlighting the need for better safety for everyone, Mr. Modi alleged that under Congress rule, human trafficking and the drug trade had increased massively in the Sarguja division. 

“Here, criminals are targeting sisters and daughters. Many girls from our tribal families and poor families have gone missing; Congress leaders have no answer as to where the daughters have gone. Here, illegal infiltrators are being encouraged by the Congress for votes. The land of tribals is being snatched away. Due to the appeasement policy of the Congress, even celebrating festivals has become difficult,” he said. 

Comparing his governance record and initiatives taken for tribals with those under Congress rule, the PM asked why, if so much work could happen under his tenure, the Congress failed to do the same, given that it had ruled for five to six decades.

Recounting his achievements, he said that the budget for the welfare of tribals had been hiked, while 80,000 community land deeds had been allotted over the past decade, compared to just 23,000 allotted before he took charge. For decades after independence, India’s 10 crore tribals had no existence for the Congress, which considered money spent on them as money flushed down the drain, he alleged.