Amit Shah Vows to End Naxalism in India by 2026, Targets Jharkhand Government's Alleged Role in Rising Extremism

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has projected a bold vision for India, promising that by March 2026, Naxalism—India’s long-standing left-wing insurgency—will be eliminated from the country. In an assertive speech on Sunday in Chatra district, Jharkhand, Shah laid out this vision while also accusing the Hemant Soren-led Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) government of stoking Naxalism for political benefits. His remarks come as political dynamics in Jharkhand heat up ahead of the state’s assembly elections in November.

The Mission to End Naxalism

Amit Shah’s promise to wipe out Naxalism by 2026 marks a strategic milestone for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government. Naxalism, which took root in the late 1960s with its origins in the village of Naxalbari in West Bengal, has historically found strongholds in regions with high poverty, limited state infrastructure, and deep-rooted inequalities. Over the years, Naxal insurgents have gained traction in areas like Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Maharashtra, and parts of Andhra Pradesh and Bihar. The insurgency has led to severe consequences in terms of violence, lives lost, and economic stagnation in these areas. Successive governments have faced significant challenges in dealing with the insurgency, but recent years have shown a steady reduction in Naxalite influence, especially under the Modi administration, which has prioritized counter-insurgency efforts and development initiatives in affected areas.

Shah credits the Modi government’s approach—focused on strengthening security forces, modernizing intelligence infrastructure, and boosting local economic opportunities—as key to recent successes against the insurgency. He emphasized that eradicating Naxalism is crucial not only for regional stability but also for enabling comprehensive development in affected areas, which are rich in natural resources but underdeveloped due to prolonged conflict.

Attacking the Jharkhand Government’s Alleged Role

During his address, Shah did not shy away from directly criticizing Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren and the JMM-led coalition government. According to Shah, the Soren government is "fueling Naxalism for petty political gains," an accusation he has previously echoed. He labeled the JMM government as "anti-Dalit, anti-tribal, anti-poor, and anti-youth," claiming that it has failed to address the needs of marginalized communities. Shah’s statements also touch upon alleged corruption within the JMM administration, asserting that funds intended for tribals and impoverished citizens have been misappropriated by government officials and their associates.

Shah’s criticisms align with his broader narrative of contrasting the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) with the Soren administration, portraying the NDA as the party that genuinely champions marginalized communities. By framing the BJP’s stance as one of integrity and inclusivity, Shah aims to resonate with voters in Jharkhand, where issues around poverty, tribal rights, and underdevelopment remain top concerns.

NDA’s Election Strategy and Predictions

Shah is not only focused on ending Naxalism; he is also confident that the NDA will secure a sweeping victory in the upcoming Jharkhand assembly elections. Based on the NDA's performance in the recent Lok Sabha elections, he predicts that his alliance will win at least 52 of Jharkhand’s 81 assembly seats. In the recent parliamentary elections, the NDA garnered nine out of 14 seats in Jharkhand, with approximately 80 lakh voters backing the alliance—roughly 47% of the state’s votes.

This strong showing in the national elections serves as the foundation for Shah’s optimism about the state elections, which are scheduled for November 13 and 20. With assembly votes to be counted on November 23, the NDA’s emphasis is on translating its national support into decisive control over Jharkhand’s government. A victory here would enable the NDA to implement its development and anti-corruption measures more effectively, further isolating Naxalite elements in the region.

The Path Forward

Shah’s ambitious declaration to root out Naxalism by 2026 aligns with the Modi government’s broader security strategy, which has recently expanded its scope to tackle insurgencies and cross-border threats. Through a multi-pronged approach combining security operations, infrastructure investment, and development programs, the government aims to weaken Naxalite networks, curb the recruitment of disillusioned youth, and ensure that affected areas can thrive economically.

For regions like Jharkhand, this mission is deeply intertwined with electoral outcomes. The state’s mineral-rich landscape and tribal population make it a critical site for both economic potential and social stability. Should the NDA secure victory and execute its strategy effectively, the groundwork laid could ensure that India’s next generation experiences a country free of the Naxalite insurgency that has plagued its hinterlands for decades.