Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday asserted that Naxalites would not be able to halt the development of tribal communities in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar region. Addressing the closing ceremony of the state government’s ‘Bastar Pandum’ festival, Shah made a strong appeal to Maoists to lay down arms and join the mainstream, reiterating the government’s resolve to eliminate the Naxal threat by March 2026.
“The days when bullets were fired and bombs exploded in Bastar are over. I urge Naxalite brothers to lay down arms and join the mainstream. You are our own. No one feels happy when any Naxalite is killed. Just surrender your weapons and join the mainstream. You cannot stop the development of your tribal brothers and sisters by taking up arms,” Shah said, as quoted by news agency PTI.
The Home Minister emphasised that surrendered militants who integrate into the mainstream would receive complete protection from both the Union and state governments.
“This region needs development. Prime Minister Narendra Modi wants to give everything to Bastar in five years. Bastar has not seen development in 50 years. However, this can only happen when children go to school, tehsils have health facilities, and each person has an Aadhaar card, ration card, and health insurance,” he said.
He added, “Development can only happen when the people of Bastar decide they will make their homes and villages Naxalite-free.”
Shah also referred to an incentive announced by Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai and Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma: “Villages that help in the surrender of Naxalites and declare themselves Maoist-free will be given ₹1 crore worth of construction works.”
Highlighting recent progress, Shah informed that 521 Naxals had surrendered so far in 2025, while 881 surrendered in 2024. “Those Naxalites who have understood there is no need for arms, IEDs, and grenades for development but computers and pens have surrendered,” he said.
Referring to the cultural significance of the event, Shah praised the ‘Bastar Pandum’ festival and announced that it would be organised at the national level next year. “I will request President Droupadi Murmu to grace the opening ceremony and to bless tribal brothers and sisters,” he added.
‘We Will Work To Free Entire Country From Red Terror By Next Year’: Amit Shah In Dantewada
Speaking in Dantewada, Shah said, “Today is Ashtami of Chaitra Navratri. I have just returned after seeking the blessings of Goddess Danteshwari. I pray that by the next Chaitra Navratri, this region is rid of red terror (Maoist threat) and our Bastar becomes prosperous.”
Reiterating the Centre’s commitment to rooting out Naxalism, he said, “By next March, we will work to free the entire country from this red terror.”
Criticising the Congress party, Shah remarked, “Congress gave the slogan of removing poverty but did not eliminate poverty. Modi ji is working for the poor and is providing ration.”
“We will work to free the entire area from red terror. Naxalism will be eradicated by next year. Every village will be Naxalite-free — work is underway in this direction,” he said.
“Development cannot happen with weapons. Narendra Modi wants to transform Bastar. The state has its first tribal Chief Minister. Now, the money from tendu leaves does not go to middlemen,” he added.
Shah emphasised the progress under the BJP-led government, saying, “Every area of Bastar is witnessing development. The BJP government has worked for the development of Bastar.”
“We want the youth of Bastar to move forward and preserve their language and traditions. Today, the entire Bastar is on the verge of being free from red terror and is moving on the path of development.”
He also paid tribute to Jagjivan Ram, saying, “I pay my respects to Jagjivan Ram Babu ji. He worked for the backward and Dalit communities.”
The Home Minister lauded the state administration, stating, “The department has organised a grand celebration here. India is a land of many arts, many languages, and many dialects.”
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