BY TC News Desk
Agartala, 28th May 2025: BJP Pradesh General Secretary Papia Datta today sharply criticized former Chief Minister and senior CPIM leader Manik Sarkar for his remarks on the recent anti-Maoist operation in Chhattisgarh, which led to the killing of 31 Maoist militants.
Speaking to media person at the BJP Gomati district office in Udaipur, Datta stated that the operation was a significant success for Indian security forces, eliminating Nambala Keshav Rao, a mastermind behind multiple Maoist attacks across several states.
“While the entire nation is celebrating this remarkable achievement of our armed forces, the CPIM party and its leaders seem visibly upset,” Datta remarked.
Her comments come in response to Sarkar’s statement at a party function, where he claimed that Maoist rebels were being “hunted like birds” and criticized the government for not keeping the door open for negotiations to resolve their grievances peacefully. Sarkar’s remarks closely aligned with a statement issued by the CPIM politburo, which also condemned the central government’s approach.
Datta countered Sarkar’s stance, highlighting the toll Maoist insurgency has taken over the years. “Between 1997 and 2025, Maoists have been responsible for killing more than 11,500 people—innocent civilians, paramilitary personnel, police officers, politicians—no one was spared,” she asserted.
Questioning Sarkar’s position, Datta added, “I want to ask the former Chief Minister—what is the reason behind sympathizing with the Naxals? In its desperation to oppose the government, the CPIM has crossed all limits. They are now siding with forces that threaten the sovereignty of our nation.”
Her remarks echo the BJP’s broader stance on national security and Maoist extremism, highlighting a political divide over the government’s handling of insurgent groups.
