New Delhi, March 31 (NationPress) BJP MP Jagdambika Pal sharply criticized Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday regarding the issue of Naxalism, alleging that the previous Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government permitted the expansion of Left-wing extremism across multiple states. He emphasized that the decisive actions taken under the leadership of current Prime Minister Narendra Modi have considerably reduced its spread.

In a conversation with IANS, Pal remarked that Gandhi's public declarations and social media activities reflect a lack of earnestness.

"Rahul Gandhi is active on Twitter, yet he fails to attend Parliament," he stated, noting that Union Home Minister Amit Shah had recently highlighted the presence of individuals associated with Maoist ideologies during the Congress-led 'Bharat Jodo Yatra'.

Pal also claimed that past incidents demonstrating support for Maoist factions had emerged within academic circles.

He referenced historical controversies, asserting that celebrations occurred following the deaths of 76 CRPF personnel, which, in his view, indicated a troubling mindset.

He described Naxalism as a violent, armed movement responsible for the deaths of over 20,000 innocent individuals over the years.

Pal noted that the so-called "Red Corridor" expanded across nearly a dozen states during the tenure of the Congress-led UPA, presenting a significant internal security threat.

He also criticized the National Advisory Council, which operated during the UPA era under Sonia Gandhi's chairmanship, for interfering with anti-Maoist operations.

According to Pal, some Council members were sympathetic to Maoist causes, which he alleged impeded effective measures against the red terror insurgency.

Citing remarks from Home Minister Shah, the BJP leader asserted that the NDA government's robust approach has led to a marked decline in Maoist influence.

He mentioned that regions previously plagued by Left-wing extremism are now experiencing developmental initiatives.

"In those very areas, schools are being constructed in villages, hospitals are being established, skill development centers are emerging, and mobile towers are being erected," Pal stated, underlining that governance and development have replaced fear and instability in these regions.

He concluded by asserting that had the NDA government not taken charge under PM Modi's leadership, Naxalism might have spread even further.

Pal held the Congress, the UPA government, and Rahul Gandhi accountable for the prior growth of Maoist influence.