Reiterating that Naxalism will be completely eradicated from the country by next year, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday stated that the insurgency is on the verge of ending in Bastar, and that the BJP government is committed to freeing India from the grip of the “Laal Aatank” by March 2026.
“In the last three months, 521 Naxals have surrendered. A total of 881 Naxals surrendered in 2024. I assure you that those who surrender will be brought into the mainstream. But those who continue to bear arms will be dealt with by security forces. Bastar is no longer a symbol of fear but of a bright future,” Shah said while addressing a gathering at the Bastar Pandum programme.
“By next March, the BJP government will work to rid the entire country of this red terror,” he added.
Shah also recalled how political leaders were previously discouraged from visiting the region. “Leaders used to be stopped from delivering speeches here. The Chief Minister would say, ‘Don’t go.’ But now, we are celebrating Ram Navami and Ashtami with 50,000 Adivasi brothers and sisters,” he said.
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai and Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma shared the stage with Shah. Cabinet Ministers Kedar Kashyap and Ramvichar Netam, along with BJP State President Kiran Singh Dev, were also present at the event.
During the Bastar Pandum celebrations, Shah honoured local artists and praised their contributions to preserving tribal culture.
Earlier in the day, Shah offered prayers at the Maa Danteshwari Temple in Dantewada. Meanwhile, surrendered Naxalites and individuals affected by Naxal violence in Chhattisgarh’s Balrampur district are receiving benefits under a special initiative of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) for the first time.
Chief Executive Officer of District Panchayat Balrampur, Nayantara Singh Tomar, stated on Friday that, under the special scheme, PMAY benefits are being extended to those affected by Naxal incidents or those who have surrendered.
“A list of 77 individuals was received, out of which 30 were found eligible, and 23 have already been approved for housing. After resolving technical issues, the remaining seven will also be approved,” Tomar said.