BJP slams Congress government for giving royal treatment to Maoists following surrender

BJP slams Congress government for giving royal treatment to Maoists following surrender

Mangalore Today News Network

Bengaluru, January 9, 2025: The Karnataka BJP has criticized the Congress-led state government for what it describes as offering preferential treatment to surrendered Maoists and facilitating their surrender in an inappropriate manner.

N. Ravikumar, a BJP MLC, questioned the propriety of the surrender being orchestrated in Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s office. “If Maoists are completely surrendering and their issues are being resolved, that is commendable. However, should the Chief Minister himself have played a direct role in this process? Is it right for them to surrender in the CM’s office?” he asked.

Ravikumar also expressed concerns over the high-profile nature of the event, which included the Chief Minister, Home Minister, senior police officials, and extensive media coverage. “The surrender could have taken place directly before the police department. Instead, the Chief Minister and Home Minister were involved, raising serious questions about the appropriateness of this approach,” he said.

He further criticized the decision to provide surrendered Maoists with rehabilitation packages, questioning whether this decision accounted for the sacrifices of police officers and civilians who lost their lives in encounters with Maoists. “Even if livelihood support is necessary, is this the right way to provide it? Will all the cases against them be dismissed? Some of these individuals face multiple criminal charges, including murder, looting, and attacks on police and civilians,” he noted.

Ravikumar also cast doubt on the government’s claim that these were the last six Maoists in the state. “Is there any evidence to support this claim? Could there be others who are yet to surrender?” he asked, urging a thorough review of the state government’s policies regarding surrendered Maoists.

Similarly, Karnataka BJP General Secretary and MLA V. Sunil Kumar criticized the Congress government for facilitating the surrender of six Maoists, alleging that this move could pave the way for the creation of so-called “Urban Naxals.”

Speaking to the media, Sunil Kumar, who represents the Maoist-affected Karkala Assembly constituency, said, “This is a concerning development. For years, the Anti-Naxal Force (ANF) has worked tirelessly against Maoists. Such decisions demoralize our security personnel.”

He also accused the "Shantigaagi Naagarikara Vedike" (Citizens Forum for Peace), which facilitated the surrender process, of being associated with “Urban Naxals.” “The government, by announcing packages for surrendered Maoists, is further emboldening such activities,” he added.

The surrender event involved six Maoists, including Mundagaru Latha (Sringeri), Vanajakshi (Kalasa), Sundari (Kuntaluru), Marappa Aroli (Raichur), Vasantha T. (Tamil Nadu), and N. Jeesha (Kerala), who laid down their arms in the presence of CM Siddaramaiah at his office, Krishna.