Shun violence, join mainstream: Rajnath Singh tells Maoists

Making an appeal for a clear mandate in favour of BJP in Maoist-hit Jharkhand, Home minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday asked Naxals to shun violence and join the mainstream to strengthen the nation.

Addressing a series of public meetings ahead of the five-phased assembly elections in the state, starting 25 November, he urged the voters to elect a government which works hand-in-hand with the central government to ensure speedy development of the state.

‘I appeal to all Maoists to shun violence. China, where Maoism was born, was shedding Maoism and was emerging as a strong nation to compete with the United States. I appeal to Maoists to join the mainstream and help make the country strong,’ Rajnath Singh said.

Singh said one could clearly distinguish between the states governed by BJP and others, maintaining that the states under BJP have progressed well. ‘One can make a clear comparison anywhere in the country. The country has emerged stronger in the world under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.’ 

The home minister said, ‘The country can only grow forward with strong will of its leadership and not with anything else.’