Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday warned that although armed Maoist groups had been eliminated from forests, what he called “dimagi Naxals” continued to pose a threat by influencing political parties and other organisations.
Speaking while celebrating Diwali with security personnel deployed in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar district, Modi said the country had achieved a major milestone in its decades-long fight against Naxalism, but cautioned that the challenge had not completely ended.
“While the armed Naxalites have been eliminated, ‘dimagi Naxals’ have taken control of various organisations. Even today, they continue to incite people against the Constitution and democracy,” he said.
He alleged that ideological Naxalites had infiltrated several political parties and other organisations and called for identifying and defeating them in the interest of national security.
The term “dimagi Naxals” has drawn criticism from Opposition leaders and activists, who have questioned its use against people opposing the BJP.
Modi had previously used the expression during his Independence Day address from the Red Fort.
Modi Calls Diwali a Milestone in Fight Against Naxalism
Modi described Diwali 2026 as particularly significant, saying it was the first festival since every district in the country had become free of Naxalism.
“This is the first Diwali where every single district in the country is free from Naxalism. This is the first Diwali where crores of our citizens have overcome the fear of Naxalism,” he said.
He thanked security personnel for their sacrifices and said he had come to Bastar on behalf of 140 crore Indians to express gratitude for their service.
The Prime Minister also claimed that, for the first time in 47 years, no CRPF personnel had been killed in action during the past year. He described the development as a result of government policies and the courage of security forces.
Modi Criticises Previous Governments Over Maoist Violence
Modi criticised previous governments over their handling of the insurgency, citing figures from 2004 to 2013 and saying the number of security personnel killed in action each year exceeded the number of Maoists eliminated.
Recalling the 2010 Dantewada attacks, he referred to the deaths of security personnel and civilians and accused previous governments of failing to respond adequately to the violence.
Bastar, once a major centre of Maoist activity in Chhattisgarh, has witnessed intensified counter-insurgency operations, surrenders and government development initiatives in recent years.
Modi said the gains in security should serve as the starting point for a new phase of development in the region. He pointed to improvements in education, healthcare, roads, electricity, communication, tourism and employment.
He also said those who abandoned violence could return to the mainstream, while security forces would continue to act against those threatening civilians and breaking the law.
