Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said Naxalism was being wiped out from forest areas, but expressed concern over its increasing reach in cities, where some political parties seem to be adopting its ideology.
Addressing the Republic Plenary Summit organized by a news channel, Modi made a dig at the Congress, alleging that it was suppressing people's aspirations, which ultimately resulted in low expectations from the party.
Yet he added that the situation had changed in the last ten years during his rule, with citizens now having bigger aspirations.
"India of today dreams big, it sets ambitious targets and achieves outstanding outcomes. This is due to the fact that the mindset of the country has changed. The country is moving ahead with high hopes," Modi said.
Emphasizing his government's work on national security, he claimed that episodes of terrorism and sleeper cell operations have vanished from television screens as well as the nation.
"Naxalism is in its last phase now. Previously, more than 100 districts were affected badly by this evil. But now, that figure has come down sharply to about two dozen districts," he added.
Modi credited this achievement to the government's focus on grassroots governance.
"Although firm action has gone a long way in curbing Naxalism in rural areas, it is now slowly finding footholds in urban areas, which is a new challenge," he warned.
"Urban Naxals have extended their influence so much that even a political party, once drawn to Gandhian ideology and in touch with the masses, now mirrors their thoughts," he stated.
"These factors have penetrated political circles so much that their voices are heard within these parties today," Modi said, referring indirectly to the Congress.
He cautioned that "urban Naxals" are opposed to India's development and cultural heritage.
"For a developed India, growth and heritage conservation are both necessary. We have to be careful about urban Naxals," he emphasized.
Repeating his attack on the Congress, Modi stated that the party had shattered people's hopes, leading them to lose confidence. But during the last ten years under his rule, he asserted, the hopes had returned.
He also insisted that India had overcome the image of it being headed towards decline and had become a shining beacon around the world.
"In the last 10 years, India has ascended to become the world's fifth-largest economy, and soon, it will secure the third position," Modi declared.
He pointed out that 65 years after Independence, India ranked as the world's 11th largest economy.
"India is today the driving force for world growth. Our success has filled hearts everywhere with hope. From the toy-making business to the business of making defence hardware, India in the last ten years has shifted from the import to export category," he declared.
Quoting economic landmarks, Modi pointed out that India's GDP on a yearly basis in 2007 was Rs 1 lakh crore—a total the nation currently makes in a quarter, an indication of the rapid economic advancement of the nation.
In parliamentary debates, Modi observed, opposition members tend to ask why he is not taking certain steps, which, in his opinion, reflects their confidence that "Modi can deliver."
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