Despite the successful launch of Vikas Yatra, leaders and workers of the ruling BJP are living in fear given the fact that Maoist insurgents have stepped up their activities, leading to a fearful situation for all those who defied the rebels’ diktat of boycotting the mass contact programme of the State Government.
Once again, the Maoists have threatened to kill at least half-a-dozen important BJP as well as Congress leaders in a banner put up at Paneda in Geedam area, terming the Vikas Yatra a mere show biz alleging that the administration was exploiting the Adiwasis. The police, however, termed it as the act of mischief-makers.
According to sources, Maoists allegedly put up a banner on Geedam-Paneda road 50 metre away from the stadium. In the banner, they reportedly threatened to kill MlA Bhima Mandawi, former leader of Opposition and Congress leader Mahendra Karma, BJP general secretary Chaitram Atami, Tourism Board’s deputy chairman Vijay Tiwari and his son Abhilash Tiwari before the ensuing Assembly polls. The banner has created a fearful situation in the area. However, after getting the information, police reached the place and seized the banner and have started their investigation.
Notably, Vikas Yatra had an impressive start from Dantewada, the hub of insurgency in the state for the last 2-3 decades, which not only recharged the ruling party but the Chief Minister also succeeded in giving the message that his programme and efforts have the blessings of Ma Danteshwari and due to which they reach every citizen and each corner of the State. Arrival of 30-40 thousand people at a place which had seen Naxal violence just a week back was not so simple, in fact it was beyond the expectation of one and all.