Maoists restricted to few areas in Jharkhand: Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that the Maoists have been restricted to a few areas in Jharkhand by the BJP government in the state in the last five years.

"Maoists' backbone has been hit by the BJP in last five years. Maoists have been restricted to limited areas," said Modi while addressing a rally at Khuti district of Jharkhand which is considered as a Maoist den.

He said "The first phase poll has indicated three things. First, faith in democracy have been strengthened. Second, Maoists have been restricted in limited areas and an environment of development has been created in the state and third is that people have reposed faith in BJP."

"Congress and JMM have formed an alliance to exploit the natural resources of the state. Their agenda is to again plunder the natural resources of the state. They are trying to create confusion and fear among people. Beware of them," said Modi.

He said "I hope you will expose the lie of Congress and JMM and chose the 'double engine' BJP government".

Modi targeted the Congress and its allies for not revoking Article 370 and keeping the Ram temple dispute pending. "What we had promised is now reflecting on the ground".

"When Lord Ram left home he was 'Rajkumar' (prince) and when he returned after 14 years he became 'Maryada Purushottam'. It was tribal people who helped Ram," said Modi.

He said "It was Atal Bihar Vajpayee government which created separate Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh states for tribal people. It was Vajpayee government which created separate tribal affairs ministry. BJP has done lots of work in tribal areas which was neglected by the Congress and JMM and left them to fend for themselves".

"The teenage (19) is important in life of a person. Jharkhand is also 19-years-old. Lets come develop it together for better future," said Modi.

( With inputs from IANS )