# BJP Questions Congress Ideology: Sudhanshu Trivedi Asks Whether Manmohan Singh or Chidambaram Was Right on Naxalism

> During a press conference in New Delhi, BJP spokesperson Dr. Sudhanshu Trivedi launched a sharp attack on Congress regarding 'Mental Naxalism'. Citing former PM Dr. Manmohan Singh's 2006 declaration, Trivedi demanded clarity on P. Chidambaram's recent remarks.

**Type:** article · **Category:** Politics · **Published:** 2026-08-17 · **Source:** TrendKia
**Canonical:** https://trendkia.com/en/politics/vaicharika-doharepana-para-bjp-ka-hamala-sudhanshu-trivedi-bole-naksalavada-para-manmohan-singh-sahi-the-ya-chidambaram-17623 · **Language:** English
**Tags:** Sudhanshu Trivedi, P Chidambaram, Manmohan Singh, Mental Naxal, BJP vs Congress, Naxalism

Bharatiya Janata Party national spokesperson and MP Dr. Sudhanshu Trivedi launched a comprehensive political attack on the Congress party regarding the issue of 'Mental Naxalism' during a press conference in New Delhi. Addressing reporters, Trivedi took strong exception to recent remarks made by former Union Minister P. Chidambaram and demanded an official clarification from the Congress leadership. He questioned whether the Congress party stands by former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh's historic assessment of Naxalism or supports P. Chidambaram's current position. Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Independence Day address, Trivedi noted that opposition responses within 24 hours clearly demonstrated where ideological sympathy for Naxalism resides.

## Political Controversy Over 'Mental Naxalism'
Dr. Sudhanshu Trivedi stated that as the nation enters its 80th year of Independence, highlighting the threat of intellectual or ideological Naxalism is both timely and essential for national security. He claimed that senior Congress leader and former Finance Minister P. Chidambaram expressed pride in being referred to as an 'intellectual Naxal' or 'Mental Naxal'. According to the BJP spokesperson, offering intellectual justification or backing to violent extremism represents a severe challenge to the nation's constitutional values and law and order framework.

## Citing Manmohan Singh's 2006 Warning and UPA Track Record
Reminding the Congress party of its past governance, the BJP MP recalled former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh's statement delivered on April 13, 2006. At that time, Dr. Manmohan Singh explicitly identified Naxalism as the single largest internal security threat facing India. Trivedi asked whether Congress is now distancing itself from the unequivocal stance taken by its own former Prime Minister. He pointed out that during the Congress-led UPA tenure, Naxal influence extended across a vast 'Red Corridor' spanning from Pashupati to Tirupati, affecting more than 180 districts across several states.

## Dantewada Incident, Human Toll, and Infrastructure Push
Highlighting historical casualty figures, the BJP spokesperson referenced the tragic April 2010 Dantewada ambush in Chhattisgarh, in which over 75 CRPF personnel lost their lives. He criticized instances during that era where celebrations were allegedly conducted following attacks on security forces, describing such behavior as the embodiment of 'Mental Naxalism'. Citing statistical data, Trivedi noted that during Chidambaram's tenure in governance, more than 5,000 innocent civilians lost their lives, and 1,913 security personnel were martyred in anti-Naxal operations. Furthermore, over 92 percent of weapons in the possession of Naxals had been looted from law enforcement forces.

The BJP spokesperson asserted that issues left unaddressed by previous administrations have been decisively controlled under the current leadership. He highlighted developmental initiatives implemented to integrate affected areas into the national mainstream, including the opening of over 1,800 bank branches, installation of more than 1,200 ATMs, and setup of over 6,000 mobile communication towers. Additionally, healthcare coverage through Ayushman Bharat cards has been extended to over 22 lakh individuals in these regions. The central government has set a target of March 31, 2026, to achieve a comprehensive resolution to the Naxal menace.

## Addressing the Ideological Dimension alongside Security Action
Dr. Trivedi emphasized that countering Naxalism requires a dual strategy that goes beyond military and police operations. He stated that neutralizing the intellectual network that provides ideological cover to violent movements is equally vital. When developmental benefits, such as banking facilities and healthcare access for 22 lakh people, reach vulnerable populations and face opposition, that mindset constitutes 'Mental Naxalism'. The BJP spokesperson urged the Congress leadership to clarify its stand on these internal ideological contradictions.

## What this means for you
**Across India:** Escalating political debates on internal security and ideological extremism may influence future national security policies.

**In Naxal-affected regions:** Continued expansion of infrastructure like bank branches, mobile towers, and healthcare cards will improve access to essential public services.

## Questions & Answers

### 1. What was the main topic of Dr. Sudhanshu Trivedi's press conference?
BJP spokesperson Dr. Sudhanshu Trivedi targeted Congress and P. Chidambaram on the issue of 'Mental Naxalism' in New Delhi.

### 2. Which statement of Dr. Manmohan Singh was highlighted by the BJP spokesperson?
He cited Dr. Manmohan Singh's April 13, 2006 statement where Naxalism was declared India's single largest internal security threat.

### 3. What developmental statistics were shared for Naxal-affected regions?
Over 1,800 bank branches, 1,200 ATMs, 6,000 mobile towers have been established, and 22 lakh residents have received Ayushman Bharat health cards.

### 4. What target date has been set by the government to eliminate Naxalism?
The government aims to achieve major success and eliminate Naxalism by March 31, 2026.

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