Chhattisgarh Politics: Naxalism Debate Intensifies After Monsoon Session

After the conclusion of the monsoon session of the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly, the politics over Naxalism has once again intensified in the state. Former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel credited his government's policies for the eradication of Naxalism, while Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai hit back at the Congress, saying that if the previous government had taken effective action, there would not have been such a large number of Naxals left in the state. During this time the issue of Rohingya and Bangladeshi infiltration also became part of the political debate. Former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel said that security camps were set up in Naxal-affected areas during his government. 600 villages were liberated from Naxal influence and people's trust was won through development work in Bastar. He claimed that Kondagaon was declared Naxal-free and Naxals were confined to only limited areas of Bijapur and Abujhmar. On the issue of Rohingya and Bangladeshi infiltration, Bhupesh Baghel also cornered the government, saying that the government has no clear figure of such people. He also dismissed the issue of Naxalism as a political issue during the 15 years of Dr. Vishnu Deo Singh's tenure as Chief Minister.