Mahendra Karma's political affiliations never came in the way of his opposition to the principles and policies of naxalites. That was the reason why he never hesitated in joining hands with BJP, his paty's arch rival in the state, so far as fighting Naxals was concerned. Karma had to face opposition from his own partymen on matters relating to tackling naxalism. Many Congress leaders including former Chief Minister Ajit Jogi were critical of his advocacy of armed response by civilians to the Naxals but Mahendra Karma was not deterred by such opposition.
