Union Home Minister Amit Shah, during his visit, dismissed the possibility of engaging in any form of dialogue with Maoists, emphasizing that they must surrender their arms before they can participate in the development initiatives within Bastar. He further highlighted the significant investment of over 4 lakh crore rupees by the central government, led by Narendra Modi, over the last decade in various development projects across Chhattisgarh. These efforts also include the implementation of several schemes aimed at honoring and uplifting the tribal communities.
During his address at the Bastar Dussehra Lokotsav 2025 and Swadeshi Mela event held at the Lalbagh Parade Ground in Jagdalpur, Amit Shah reiterated the government’s commitment to completely eradicate Naxalism from the nation by March 31 of the following year.
Taking a firm stance against the Naxalites, the Home Minister asserted that security forces are prepared to respond effectively to any attempts to disrupt peace in Bastar through violence. He urged the tribal communities to encourage the youth in their villages to surrender their weapons and return to the mainstream, thereby contributing to the development of Bastar.
Shah clarified that both the Chhattisgarh and the central governments are committed to the development of Bastar and other Naxal-affected regions. He emphasized the attractive surrender policy that has been implemented. He also warned that if the peace in Bastar is disrupted through violence, the armed forces will respond strongly and decisively. He declared that the aim is to remove Naxalism from the country by March 31, 2026.
The central Home Minister highlighted that Naxalism acts as an obstacle to development, noting that some individuals in Delhi had propagated the false notion that Naxalism was a fight for development. He clarified to the tribal people that the presence of Naxalism had hindered the progress of Bastar. He pointed out that now, every village in the country has access to essential facilities like electricity, clean drinking water, roads, toilets, and healthcare benefits. Furthermore, provisions have been made for free rice and a fair price for their paddy. He asserted that Bastar has lagged behind in development because of Naxalism.
Amit Shah stated that villages that become Naxal-free will receive one crore rupees for development.
He assured that after March 31st of the next year, Naxalites will not be able to hinder development or rights. He highlighted the work done and remaining to be done.
Shah appealed to the people of Bastar to renounce Naxalism and asked them to persuade the misguided youth to surrender their arms. He acknowledged that the Chhattisgarh government has implemented the best surrender policy in the country, and many people have surrendered. He said that no one benefits from Naxalism.
Additionally, Amit Shah visited the Dantewari temple in Jagdalpur for prayers and sought blessings from the goddess, praying for the strength of the security forces to free the entire Bastar region from the ‘red terror’ by March 31, 2026.
Prior to this, he participated in the traditional Muriya Darbar held as part of the world-famous Bastar Dussehra festival, where he interacted with priests and leaders from the tribal community.