India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on 4 July visited Hyderabad to mark the 128th birth anniversary of freedom fighter Alluri Sitarama Raju, who led the 1920s Rampa Rebellion against British rule. Singh paid floral tributes after arriving at Begumpet Airport and addressed a commemorative gathering in the city. In his speech, the minister said left-wing extremism has been reduced to “only five or six districts” nationwide, crediting security operations and development schemes for shrinking the so-called red corridor. He added that many former Naxal strongholds have transformed into educational hubs, describing the shift as the corridor’s evolution from “red” to “growth.” Singh also highlighted historic injustices faced by tribal communities during the colonial era and contrasted them with current government measures aimed at land rights and economic inclusion. The event formed part of wider celebrations honouring Alluri’s legacy in championing tribal rights and resisting colonial exploitation.