New Delhi, Sep 30 (NationPress) The BJP on Tuesday vehemently condemned CPI leader D. Raja for his comments that challenge the Centre's 'Naxal Mukt Bharat' campaign, asserting that the nation must stay cautious of individuals perceived as sympathetic towards extremists.

During a press conference in Delhi on Monday, Raja questioned the effectiveness of the operation aimed at diminishing Maoist influence, deeming the 'Naxal Mukt Bharat' slogan as hollow rhetoric and comparing it to previous slogans such as 'Congress Mukt Bharat'.

He criticized the government's approach and advocated for dialogue with Naxal factions instead of relying exclusively on military solutions. He cautioned that the ongoing supremacy of the BJP and RSS could threaten the Constitution and urged citizens to act to 'save the Constitution' by removing them from power.

In response to Raja's remarks, Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao stated to IANS, 'The country has a Constitution, and the country has a democracy. It is not anyone's right to kill innocent, defenseless people or to oppress them. The Constitution does not allow such actions.' He emphasized that those oppressed and killed by Maoists also possess Constitutional rights, pointing out that law, order, and the Constitution should prevail, and that the Modi government is committed to this.

BJP national spokesperson Tuhin Sinha accused Raja of showing sympathy for Naxalism, warning of a greater danger posed by what he termed 'urban Naxals'. 'The BJP has long asserted that urban Naxals represent a more significant threat than Naxalism itself,' Sinha remarked to IANS, adding, 'Raja's statement reflects his sympathies towards Naxalism. Those with such Naxal ideologies endanger our Constitution.'

He further asserted, 'The Naxals who reject our Constitution are defended by CPI(M) leaders. These individuals are a greater risk as they shelter Naxals and propagate their influence nationwide. We must remain vigilant against such individuals.'

RLD leader Malook Nagar told IANS that incidents involving Naxalites are escalating in various states, urging the government to devise strategies to address them. 'If the so-called INDIA bloc questions this, what does it signify? Do they wish for the country to descend back into Naxalism?' he questioned.

Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Surendra Rajput assured IANS that the nation will operate under the Constitution, promising the eradication of Maoism. 'This is the reality. Anyone resorting to violence will face strict repercussions according to the Constitution.'

Conversely, senior CPI(M) leader Hannan Mollah defended Raja's statements, referencing casualty figures while advocating for dialogue. 'At least 400 individuals have been fatally shot. A nation ought to prioritize dialogue over violence. Disagreement is not a crime. Shooting someone for differing views is barbaric. Maoists are open to discussions, but the BJP's approach is lethal. This undermines democratic rights. Raja's comments resonate with truth,' Mollah stated to IANS.