Siddaramaiah announces disbanding of Anti-Naxal Force in Karnataka
Bengaluru: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has announced the disbanding of Karnataka’s Anti-Naxal Force, declaring that the state is now free of Naxal activities. The announcement came as part of the state budget presentation for 2025-26, where the Chief Minister highlighted the success of the Naxal Surrender and Rehabilitation Scheme in bringing underground Naxals back into the mainstream.
Siddaramaiah stated that during his government’s tenure, six underground Naxals had surrendered before the Naxal Surrender and Rehabilitation Scheme Committee. "With this, Karnataka is Naxal-free. Therefore, the Anti-Naxal Force will be disbanded," he said, marking a shift in the state's internal security strategy.
To support the reintegration of surrendered Naxals and improve infrastructure in previously Naxal-affected areas, the government has announced a special package of ₹10 crore. The move aims to ensure that individuals who have given up arms can successfully transition into mainstream society.
In addition to addressing the Naxal issue, the Chief Minister outlined new measures to strengthen law enforcement across the state. He announced that ₹80 crore would be allocated for the establishment of two Indian Reserve Police Forces—one near Kudugurki and another near Kolar Gold Fields (KGF) near Nandi Hills.
Further, the government has also focused on enhancing bomb detection and disposal capabilities in Karnataka. While five Bomb Detection and Disposal Squads are already operational, new squads will be set up in Bellary, Davangere, Mysuru, and Bengaluru Central zones this year to improve preparedness against potential threats.
The Chief Minister reiterated his government's commitment to maintaining peace and order, stating that a zero-tolerance policy would be enforced against those attempting to create unrest in society. He assured that strict and uncompromising action would be taken against any individuals or groups engaging in activities that disturb public harmony.
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Bengaluru (PTI):Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Monday urged Congress legislators to maintain party discipline amid their visits to New Delhi to lobby for a cabinet reshuffle, cautioning against making public statements that could harm the party’s image.
Addressing reporters here, Shivakumar, who is also the state Congress president, said there was nothing wrong in MLAs meeting the party high command but stressed that the timing and manner of their demands were important.
“Yes, all of them have gone. The Chief Minister has said something, but all of them should maintain discipline. Everyone must maintain party discipline. They must respect the party. They should not sit before the media and damage the party’s name,” Shivakumar said.
He added that everyone’s future lies in the party, not in the media.
"In the media, you may say whatever you want in your own way. So I appeal to all my MLAs that meeting party high command is not wrong, but if unnecessary statements are made, we will have to act.”
Responding to a query on whether MLAs had consulted him before leaving for Delhi, Shivakumar said some had approached him and were told there was nothing wrong in aspiring for ministerial positions.
“Some of them came and spoke to me, they asked me. I told them there is nothing wrong in going and asking (for ministerial position); it is not that you should not become ministers, nor that first-timers should not become ministers. First-timers can become ministers, second-timers can also become ministers—it has happened before,” he said.
However, he emphasised that the present moment was not appropriate for such demands.
“So we said there is nothing wrong, but this is not the time.”
The Deputy Chief Minister also indicated that he is awaiting formal inputs before taking any action. “Officially, I have asked for a report with various sections. Let me get the report, then I will act on it,” he said.
The remarks come a day after several senior Congress MLAs travelled to New Delhi to seek a cabinet reshuffle and press for ministerial berths, while first-time legislators have also stepped up their demand for representation.
On Sunday, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had said there was nothing wrong in aspirant legislators visiting Delhi, adding that the decision on cabinet reshuffle rests with the party high command and may have been delayed due to elections in five states and the Budget session.
The developments assume significance amid ongoing discussions within the ruling Congress over a possible cabinet rejig as the government has crossed the halfway mark of its tenure.
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