Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated Diwali with security forces personnel in Bastar, Chhattisgarh. On this occasion, he thanked the soldiers for their contribution and sacrifice in the security of the country. Here the Prime Minister said that this time's Diwali is special because great success has been achieved in the decades-long fight against Naxalism in the country. He said that this is the first Diwali when every district of the country has become free from Naxalism. Along with this, he said that right now the mentally ill Naxals remain a big threat to the country. On this statement, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has once again challenged him for a debate.
PM Modi had reached CoBRA operations base in Karanpur, Bastar. Here he met the soldiers of CRPF, CoBRA, BSF, ITBP and other security forces. During this, the PM said that the threat of Naxalism has not completely ended yet. Armed Naxalites have been eliminated from the forests, but now there is a threat from mental Naxalites.
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PM Modi lashed out at previous governments
PM Modi said that in the last one year, no CRPF soldier lost his life while on duty. This is the victory of bravery, courage of the security forces and the right policies of the government. Attacking the previous governments, he said, 'Every year from 2004 to 2013, more of our soldiers were martyred than the Naxalites. Previous governments had considered Naxalism as a disease for which there is no cure.
Attack on mentally ill Naxals
PM Modi said that Naxalism has ended in the forests but the danger has not been completely averted yet. He said, 'Armed Naxalites have been eliminated from the forests, but now there is a threat from mental Naxalites.' He further said that Naxalites have infiltrated many political parties and institutions. He said, 'The mindless Naxals are still inciting people against the country's constitution and democracy. He has also infiltrated many political parties. We have to identify them and secure the country.
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What did Rahul say?
While sharing this statement of PM Modi, Rahul Gandhi has hit back at him. Rahul wrote on his social media, 'Dear CRPF soldiers, your faces have told everything that you do not believe in the lies of the Prime Minister. They called us Naxalites. My challenge continues. He should debate with me, who is a traitor and who is following the instructions of foreign powers. Any time, any place.' Rahul Gandhi further said that I guarantee that after that debate the Prime Minister will not have the courage to stand in front of even a single soldier.