Can talk to Naxalites if they accept Constitution: CM

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on Thursday said he is open for talks with Naxalites but the Maoists must first declare their allegiance to the Indian constitution.

He was interacting with the media as part of a public interaction drive (Bhent-Mulaqat Abhiyan) at Sukma before leaving for Kutru, the border area of the state.

Baghel said India was a democratic union with a federal structure.

“As a Chief Minister of a state, my allegiance is to the Constitution of India. So, for any constructive talks, the other side should also have total trust and loyalty in the Constitution. It will help in having fruitful talks and a permanent solution,” he said.

The Chief Minister said he was ready to talk even at Sukma or at any place as decided but only after the Naxalites commit to the Constitution.

Baghel said once a hotbed of Naxalites in Chhattisgarh, Sukma has undergone major changes. There has been remarkable growth in connectivity of roads, education, nutrition and health care.

Naxalism has been reduced to a greater extent as the villagers, having opposed the opening of security camps, are now demanding them.

There is also now a friendly relationship between security forces and villagers, he said.

The government is making continuous efforts to ensure the rights of water, forest and land to the tribes.