RAIPUR: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on February 8 intensified the Bharatiya Janata Party’s attack on the Left ahead of the upcoming Kerala Assembly elections, asserting that the state will witness political change and that communist ideology has outlived its relevance in India.
Addressing the gathering at the the titled “Chhattisgarh@25: Shifting The Lens”, that was organised by Organiser Weekly, Shah came down heavily on the governance model of the communists and added that whereever such an ideology was practised, it merely brought about destruction and posed as a big hurdle in development.
‘Communist ideology symbol of destruction’
Taking a direct swipe at the Left, Shah alleged that communist ideology has consistently hindered growth and harmed tribal communities in the name of welfare.
“Wherever communist rule has existed, development has failed to take place. In the name of tribal welfare, people were handed weapons and pushed towards armed activity. This ideology itself is a symbol of destruction,” Shah said.
He added that the central government remains committed to eliminating Maoist influence from the country and urged citizens to understand what he described as the long-term damage caused by extremist ideologies.
‘Kerala will also see change’
Referring specifically to Kerala, Shah claimed that communists have nearly disappeared from the rest of the country and that the southern state remains the last major stronghold.
“Today, communists have to be searched for with a telescope—they barely exist anymore. Only Kerala remains, and this time that too will come to an end. The people themselves will do it,” he said.
Shah further claimed that political change is already underway in the state, pointing to growing public dissatisfaction. “The people of Thiruvananthapuram have already begun,” he remarked, indicating early signs of a shift in voter sentiment.
The people have rejected the Leftist ideology through the democratic process. With the BJP’s victory in Thiruvananthapuram, the beginning of the end of Communists has now started even in Kerala, their last stronghold. pic.twitter.com/avKVe320Eb
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) February 8, 2026
Shah’s remarks come months ahead of the Kerala Assembly elections, with the BJP intensifying its campaign against the ruling Left Democratic Front. His statements reflect the party’s broader narrative of positioning itself as an alternative to communist governance while emphasising security, development, and ideological transformation.
The speech also aligns with the Centre’s continued focus on counter-insurgency efforts and political outreach aimed at ending left-wing extremism across the country.
Appeal to Maoists to surrender
The Union Home Minister also issued a direct appeal to Maoists to abandon violence and join the mainstream. He said the government is prepared to welcome those who surrender and reintegrate into society.
“We want to uproot the Maoist problem from its roots. Those who give up violence and surrender will be welcomed,” Shah said, reiterating that peace and development cannot coexist with armed extremism.
The Union Government has set March 31, 2026 as the deadline to end Naxalims from the country. Amit Shah assured the Maoists that the government would provide them with all kinds of help after they surrender and ensure that they lead a good life.
