Raipur, Dec 13: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday reaffirmed the central government’s determination to completely eradicate Naxalism by March 31, 2026, declaring that the path to progress in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar region lies only through peace and stability.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of Bastar Olympics 2025 held at the Indira Priyadarshini Stadium in Jagdalpur, Shah emphasized that Naxalism has been a major obstacle to development in the region, comparing it to a “poisonous snake” that has long hindered prosperity. He said a “new chapter of development” would begin once the last remnants of the extremist movement are wiped out.
The Home Minister reiterated the Narendra Modi government’s pledge to put an end to what he described as “red terror,” and said the objective was well within reach. “When I come again for the Bastar Olympics in 2026, Naxalism will no longer exist — not in Chhattisgarh, nor anywhere else in the country,” Shah declared before a cheering crowd.
Outlining the Centre’s comprehensive plan for the Bastar division, Shah announced that all seven districts — Kanker, Kondagaon, Bastar, Sukma, Bijapur, Narayanpur, and Dantewada — would be developed into India’s most advanced tribal districts by December 2030.
He said both the Union and the Chhattisgarh governments are working jointly to ensure every household has a home, electricity, toilets, tap water, LPG connections, five kilograms of free foodgrains, and free medical care worth up to ₹5 lakh under the Ayushman Bharat scheme. Roads, banking facilities within a five-kilometre radius, and robust networks of primary and community health centres are part of the development blueprint.
“Bastar will emerge as the most developed tribal region in India,” Shah asserted, adding that the transformation of the area will serve as a model for inclusive growth in other tribal regions of the country.
Appealing to those still associated with outlawed Maoist groups, Shah urged them to abandon violence and rejoin society through the government’s rehabilitation policy. “Naxalism benefits no one — not those who take up weapons, not the tribals, and not the security forces. Peace alone can lead us to development,” he said.
Highlighting the success of recent anti-Naxal operations, Shah revealed that over 2,000 extremists have surrendered in the past two years. He credited local tribal leaders for playing a key role in persuading youth to give up arms. “Their wisdom and leadership have given strength to many misguided youths. I appeal to community elders to continue guiding others back into the mainstream,” he added.
Painting a picture of Bastar’s ongoing transformation, the Home Minister said the region—once dominated by fear—is now witnessing hope and opportunity. “Where gunfire once echoed, school bells now ring. Roads, railways, and highways are being built where development once seemed a faraway dream,” he said.
He noted that slogans of ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’ have replaced the earlier cries of ‘Lal Salaam’, symbolizing a decisive shift in societal sentiment. The government’s approach, Shah said, is not merely focused on armed operations but is driven by the vision of sustainable peace and prosperity.
Referring to the Bastar Olympics 2025, Shah highlighted that more than 700 surrendered Naxal youth participated in the event — a striking demonstration of the transition from violence to harmony. He said officials from the Sports Authority of India were present to identify and nurture athletic talent from the region, with the goal of grooming players for national and international competitions, including the Commonwealth Games and the 2036 Olympics.
“Bastar is changing rapidly, and the next Bastar Olympics in 2026 will be held in a region completely free of terror,” Shah declared.
The event was also attended by Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, Assembly Speaker Raman Singh, and Deputy Chief Ministers Arun Sao and Vijay Sharma, among other dignitaries.
