Urban Naxals misusing foreign funds: Fadnavis

Gadchiroli

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday said that urban Naxals from outside the state are using foreign funds to spread false information and prevent development in Gadchiroli. Speaking at an event at Lloyds Metals & Energy Ltd in Konsari, where he launched multiple projects, Fadnavis said that Naxal influence in the region is rapidly declining, with only a few remaining in the forests.

He urged the remaining Naxalites to give up violence and join the mainstream, but warned that while armed Naxalism is weakening, urban Naxalism is gaining ground. Fadnavis pointed out that soon after the steel plant project was announced in Gadchiroli, false claims began circulating on social media, alleging that tribals were being displaced and forests were being destroyed.

He said the government took these claims seriously and asked the police and IG Sandeep Patil to investigate. Shockingly, those behind the misinformation weren’t even from Maharashtra, he said. Two people were found operating from Kolkata and two from Bengaluru, and they were using foreign funding to mislead locals and incite them against the Constitution.

Fadnavis stressed that the government has not harmed anyone’s rights and is promoting inclusive development. He added that such urban Naxals are trying to confuse people with lies and keep them away from progress.

The Chief Minister’s remarks come as the government pushes forward with development in regions previously affected by Naxal violence, aiming to bring stability and economic growth to tribal areas.