During his visit to Jagdalpur, Union Home Minister Amit Shah dismissed any potential for negotiations with Maoists, stressing the importance of their surrender as a prerequisite for engaging in discussions about Bastar’s development. He pointed out the extensive financial support provided by the central government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, exceeding 4 lakh crore rupees over the last decade, alongside various initiatives designed to uplift and honor the tribal population. Speaking at the Bastar Dussehra Lokotsav and Swadeshi Mela, Shah reaffirmed the commitment to eradicate Naxalism across the nation by March 31, 2026.
Shah adopted a strong stance against the Naxals, warning that security forces would respond forcefully to any attempts to disrupt peace in Bastar through violence. He appealed to tribal communities to convince young people in their villages to give up arms, return to the mainstream, and contribute to the development of Bastar. He clarified the government’s dedication to the development of Bastar and all Naxal-affected areas, encouraging Maoists to utilize the attractive surrender policy. He also warned that armed forces would strongly respond to any attempts to disturb the peace of Bastar through violence, reinforcing the goal of eradicating Naxalism by March 31, 2026.
He criticized Naxalism for obstructing development, arguing that it had historically prevented the tribal communities from accessing essential resources and progress. He contrasted the situation with the advancements in other parts of the country, highlighting improvements in infrastructure and social welfare programs, while acknowledging that Bastar had fallen behind due to the influence of Naxalism. He reiterated that the Modi government is dedicated to the development of Bastar and every Naxal-affected area.
Shah assured the people of Bastar that, following March 31st, Naxalism would no longer impede their progress or rights. He urged residents to persuade those involved in Naxal activities to surrender and join the mainstream, highlighting the effectiveness of the Chhattisgarh government’s surrender policy. Villages that become Naxal-free would receive one crore rupees from the Chhattisgarh government for development.
Shah also shared that he sought blessings at the Dantewari Mai temple in Jagdalpur, praying for the security forces’ success in eliminating ‘red terror’ from Bastar by March 31, 2026. Prior to his address, Shah participated in the traditional Muriya Darbar, a part of the Bastar Dussehra festival, where he interacted with local priests and tribal leaders.