C.T. Ravi criticizes naxal surrender package, slams state government’s apathy

Team Udayavani, Jan 11, 2025, 10:17 AM IST

BJP MLC C.T. Ravi has questioned the Karnataka government’s decision to offer a surrender package to Naxals, urging a thorough investigation into their motives before extending any benefits. Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Ravi stressed that the government must ensure the surrender is genuine and not a tactical move to strengthen Naxal activities under the guise of rehabilitation.

He emphasized the importance of monitoring the surrendered Naxals and their cooperation with investigations. “The government should investigate whether they are surrendering due to a change in ideology or simply as a strategy. Without such scrutiny, offering a package is meaningless,” he said.

Ravi also raised concerns about the weapons recently recovered from surrendered Naxals, questioning their source and the operational support behind their activities. He argued that surrender would only be meaningful if the Naxals disclosed vital information, including details about their operations, funding, and arms supply. He criticized the Naxal ideology, calling it anti-constitutional and a direct challenge to democracy, stating, “They trust bullets, not ballots.”

The BJP leader further highlighted the lives lost due to Naxal violence, including civilians, police, and soldiers, and called for accountability. He warned that a poorly implemented surrender package could allow Naxals to regroup and resume their activities, undermining public safety.

Ravi did not stop at the Naxal issue. He took a strong stance against the state government’s handling of maternal deaths and farmer suicides, describing Karnataka as having become “a house of death.” He pointed to the alarming number of maternal fatalities and over 2,500 farmer suicides in the state, criticizing the government for failing to address these issues despite forming expert committees.

In a scathing attack, Ravi accused the government of being insensitive and self-serving, prioritizing “dinner politics” and “temple visits” over addressing critical crises. “At a time when maternal deaths and infant fatalities are mounting, the government should have convened high-level meetings to determine the root causes. Instead, they are indulging in political theatrics for personal gain. This shows a lack of empathy and a stone-hearted approach,” he said.