Mahendra Karma was a former leader of Opposition in the Chhattisgarh Assembly (2003-2008) and in 2005 he organised the Salwa Judum movement against Maoists in Chhattisgarh.
He was killed by Naxals on Saturday. He was leading a Parivartan Rally in Darbha Valley when he was attacked. Karma, a Congress party leader, was Industry and Commerce Minister in the Ajit Jogi’s Cabinet during 2000-2004.
Despite being leader of Opposition Karma’s creation — the Salwa Judum was adopted by the Chhattisgarh Government which brought the appointment of Special Police Officers (SPOs) with wide powers. After the Supreme Court expressed disapproval of the Salwa Judum movement in 2008, the Chhattisgarh Government was asked by the SC to implement remedial measures mentioned in the NHRC report.
later, the movement faded away in the State.
On 8 November 2012, Karma survived an assassination attempt by Naxals, when the landmine blast targeting his motorcade as it passed through a forest in Dantewada district failed to kill him. Karma escaped unscathed, while his driver and two security guards were injured.