Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for infrastructure and development projects worth over ₹48,520 crore in Bihar’s Karakat. Addressing a massive public rally, he affirmed the government’s strong resolve against Maoist violence and hailed the reduction in Naxal-affected districts across the country.
“The day is not far when Maoist violence will be completely eradicated from the country,” the Prime Minister declared, crediting the government’s consistent efforts over the last decade. He stated that the number of Naxal-affected districts has reduced significantly — from over 75 before 2014 to just 18 now.
Lauding Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s role in steering the state towards growth, PM Modi said, “When the ‘Jungle Raj’ was removed under Nitish Kumar’s leadership, Bihar began to move forward on the path of development.”
He cited advancements in road and rail infrastructure, asserting that Bihar’s broken highways, poor railway facilities, and limited air connectivity were now a thing of the past. “A web of four-lane highways is being built, and bridges are coming up across all major rivers in Bihar,” he noted.
Referring to the legacy of red terror in regions like Sasaram, the Prime Minister said, “The people of Bihar are witnesses to how those who spread violence and unrest have been eliminated. Naxalism was once dominant in these areas.”
In a veiled criticism of those who supported extremist ideologies, PM Modi remarked that the groups promoting Naxalism had “no faith in Babasaheb Ambedkar,” yet Bihar continued to pursue development under difficult conditions.
His remarks come in the wake of a major anti-Naxal operation in Chhattisgarh’s Narayanpur, where Indian forces eliminated 27 Maoists, including top CPI (Maoist) commander Basavaraju. Active in Naxalite operations for nearly five decades, Basavaraju was reportedly involved in over 200 attacks.