Congress Targets Amit Shah Over Naxalism Speech, ‘90 Minutes Without That Word’ Remark Sparks Row

A fresh political showdown erupted in Parliament after the Indian National Congress took a sharp dig at Union Home Minister Amit Shah, claiming he performed a “miracle” by speaking for 90 minutes in the Lok Sabha without using what it described as his “favourite abusive word.”

The remark came shortly after Shah delivered a detailed speech on the government’s efforts to eliminate Left-Wing Extremism (LWE), triggering a heated exchange between the ruling party and the Opposition.

What Amit Shah Said on Naxalism

During his address in the Lok Sabha, Amit Shah asserted that India is now largely free from Naxalism.

He claimed that the top leadership of Maoist groups has been dismantled and their central structure weakened significantly. He also credited the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for achieving what he called a major internal security milestone.

Shah said, “The biggest achievement of the Modi government is a Naxal-free India; any researcher will accept this.”

Congress Hits Back with ‘Miracle’ Jibe

The Congress leadership responded strongly, using sarcasm to question Shah’s speech. Party leaders pointed out that the Home Minister avoided using controversial language this time, calling it unusual and describing it as a “miracle.”

The attack was also linked to an earlier post by a Congress general secretary on X, where a similar remark had been made after one of Shah’s words was expunged from parliamentary records.

Rahul Gandhi Dragged Into the Debate

Amit Shah intensified the attack by targeting Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.

He alleged that Rahul Gandhi had been seen publicly with individuals sympathetic to Naxals and had even shared content on social media that appeared to support Maoist narratives.

Shah also rejected Rahul Gandhi’s claim that he was not allowed to speak in Parliament, stating that the Congress leader often remains absent during key discussions.

House Erupts in Protest

The situation escalated as Opposition members stormed the Well of the House, raising slogans and demanding an apology from the Home Minister over remarks they termed “offensive.”

The protests took place as Shah concluded his speech following a two-day debate on a resolution related to eliminating Left-Wing Extremism.

Flashback: Previous Controversy Over Language

This is not the first time Amit Shah has faced criticism over his language in Parliament.

In December 2025, during a heated debate linked to a no-confidence motion against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Shah used a controversial word that sparked outrage. He later requested the Chair to expunge the term from official records, but the incident triggered a wider debate on parliamentary decorum.

Indira Gandhi Remark Sparks Fresh Row

In another controversial statement, Shah accused former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi of accepting Naxal support during an election in the 1970s in undivided Andhra Pradesh.

He further alleged that her government had been influenced by Maoist ideology, adding fuel to the political confrontation.

What Is the ‘Red Corridor’? Explained

Shah also referred to the so-called “Red Corridor,” a belt historically affected by Naxal violence.

This region includes states like Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, and Kerala.

He argued that such a widespread insurgency could not have developed without political backing, stating that “experts believe the Red Corridor could not have been created without support from those in power.”

Deadline for Ending Naxalism

The debate comes at a crucial time, just ahead of the deadline set by Amit Shah to eliminate Left-Wing Extremism in India.

He had earlier announced that Naxal violence would end by March 31, 2026, following intensified security operations across affected regions.

Big Picture: Politics Meets Security Debate

The latest clash highlights how national security issues like Naxalism continue to be deeply politicised.

While the government claims a historic success in curbing extremism, the Opposition questions both the narrative and the tone of political discourse in Parliament.

With sharp exchanges, protests, and counter-allegations, the debate has once again brought the focus on both India’s internal security and the conduct of its political leadership.