5,000 youths have shunned Naxalism to join mainstream: Gadkari

Union minister Nitin Gadkari on Sunday said Naxalism has declined significantly in Maharashtra's Gadchiroli, as nearly 5,000 youths have quit the outlawed movement, joined the mainstream and many of them have got employment.

In the next five years, Gadchiroli will become the highest revenue-generating district in Maharashtra, he said at the BJP's state-level convention at Shirdi in Ahilyanagar district.

Gadkari appealed to the BJP workers to channel the party's electoral success into meaningful societal transformation.

The victory in the last year's state assembly polls should lead to the establishment of "surajya" (good governance), he said.

Highlighting the progress made in Naxal-affected Gadchiroli, he said there was a time when visiting some areas in the district was difficult even for public representatives.

"Today, nearly 5,000 youths have shunned Naxalism and come back to the mainstream. Many have got jobs like drivers, fitters, among others," the senior BJP leader said.

Engineering and polytechnic colleges have been established, and garment manufacturing for exports has begun in the district, he said.

The area, once backward, has now generated employment for 10,000 tribal youths, Gadkari said.

"In the next five years, Gadchiroli will become the highest revenue-generating district," he added.

Gadkari also emphasised the importance of addressing the issues of unemployment, malnutrition and lack of education.

"The soul of our party is to create a powerful nation that can guide the world," he said.

He highlighted the need for transformation in rural areas and the uplift of labourers and the poor.

Drawing inspiration from historical figures, Gadkari said, "It is our responsibility to demonstrate, like Shivaji Maharaj, how to transform the state. Many people become ministers, but not all are remembered. Babasaheb Ambedkar lost a Lok Sabha election, yet his name is renowned globally. Electoral victories alone do not define greatness."

The Union minister criticised those attempting to create communal discord for political gains.

"We believe no individual is significant because of their caste, race or faith, but because of the values they uphold," he said.

On Maharashtra's contribution to the automobile sector, Gadkari said, "In the next five years, India will become the top country globally in the automobile industry, generating 4.5 crore jobs, with maximum GST collection from Maharashtra in the sector. Most of the companies are based in Maharashtra."

He reminded the BJP workers that their responsibility extends beyond defeating the rival Congress.

"If we fail to bring transformation, people will question us. Good governance and development must remain our mission," he said.