Raipur, Aug 19 — Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao on Wednesday launched a sharp counterattack on Congress leader and former Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram’s remarks on “Dimagi Naxals,” asserting that such elements are deeply hurt by the near‑elimination of armed Naxalism from the state and the country.
Responding sarcastically, Sao said the “Dimagi Naxals” were saddened by the success achieved in wiping out left‑wing extremism from Chhattisgarh, particularly Bastar. He cautioned people to remain vigilant against their ulterior motives.
“It is clear from the statements of Congress leaders that they never want Naxalism to end in the country and in Bastar,” the Deputy Chief Minister said.
Sao claimed that armed Naxalism has been completely eradicated from Bastar. He said anyone visiting Bastar today could easily feel the change, noting that ordinary people’s lives, lifestyles and temperaments had transformed.
He alleged that Congress leaders have consistently worked against national unity and the Constitution, sometimes secretly and sometimes openly, undermining the country’s systems.
“It is time to protect the country from people with this mentality,” he added.
The Deputy Chief Minister further stated that the people of Bastar deserve prosperity, progress and better education. He alleged that Congress leaders never wanted this and had never done anything for it.
“They do not even want tribals in Bastar to receive any benefits. That is why they continue to make statements in support of Naxalism in various ways and on various platforms,” Sao charged.
Turning to the Congress’s allegations regarding a “transfer industry” in the state, Sao launched a scathing rebuttal. He said the entire state of Chhattisgarh knows at whose behest the so‑called transfer industry operated in the past.
“Those who ran the transfer industry should introspect before making such allegations. The reality is that transfers are made purely on administrative grounds and based on administrative needs. That is exactly what has happened,” he asserted.
Sao’s remarks come amid a political slugfest over the declining influence of Naxalism in Chhattisgarh and the state’s administrative decisions.
The Deputy Chief Minister maintained that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)‑led government remains focused on development, security and the welfare of tribal communities in the once violence‑hit regions.