Singh, who was addressing a seminar, said there were political reasons and lack of governance, particularly in the rural areas, due to which poverty and backwardness prevailed providing a breeding ground for Maoists.
The growth of the ultras also pointed to prevalence of socio-economic inequity in rural areas which creates anger among the people and prompt them to take up arms to get their rights.
The economic reforms and liberalization process has created further chasm reflected in the spread of Maoists to 270 districts in comparison to fewer districts in the early 1990s, he added.
