Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday, 22 June credited his government's development-first strategy for the visible transformation of Left-Wing Extremism (LWE)-affected tribal regions, while sharply criticising the previous Congress-led governments for failing to curb Maoist violence despite repeated constitutional invocations. Speaking on a special programme, Modi framed the fight against LWE as one of his administration's defining achievements.

The Congress Record Under Fire

Modi drew a pointed contrast with the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) era between 2004 and 2014, citing more than 17,010 Maoist violence incidents and over 7,000 deaths during that decade. He argued that the then government lacked the political will to act decisively despite the scale of the crisis.

'When these people were in government and LWE-affected areas were witnessing violence, they would mention the name of the Constitution, but the Constitution was not in their hands,' Modi said, accusing the Congress of invoking constitutional values without translating them into security outcomes.

Infrastructure Push in Tribal Heartlands

Modi outlined a multi-pronged strategy combining security operations with large-scale infrastructure development. Over the past 12 years, his government has constructed more than 12,000 kilometres of roads in LWE-affected areas. He noted that road construction crews of around 25 workers were deployed under the protection of approximately 200 security personnel to ensure project continuity in hostile terrain.

Connectivity improvements included the installation of around 45,000 mobile towers in these regions. On the financial inclusion front, more than 1,800 new bank branches have been opened in LWE-affected districts, around 75,000 banking correspondents appointed, and over 6,000 post offices established, according to the Prime Minister.

Welfare Measures and Youth Engagement

Modi highlighted welfare initiatives such as the issuance of ration cards to residents previously excluded due to the security situation. He also expressed pride in the Bastar Olympics, noting that more than 1.5 million youths participated in the first edition and around 400,000 in the second — a symbol, he argued, of the region's return to normalcy.

'Today, the whole country is seeing that Naxalism will be uprooted,' Modi said, signalling confidence that the remaining LWE influence is on the wane.

'Nation First' as a Global Signal

Beyond domestic policy, Modi asserted that India has emerged as a credible global power, with world leaders recognising the 'Nation First' philosophy as the driver of the country's progress. He referenced his recent engagement in France, where he and the French President visited stalls run by orphans and widows, showcasing Indian initiatives that he said are drawing international attention.

Modi reiterated that programmes such as Make in India and the push for domestic products have succeeded because of a strengthened national image and collective resolve. As security conditions improve in formerly Maoist-dominated districts, the government's next challenge will be sustaining development momentum and ensuring that infrastructure gains translate into lasting economic opportunity for tribal communities.