In Jagdalpur, Union Home Minister Amit Shah made it clear that talks with Maoists were not on the table, emphasizing that they must surrender before any engagement regarding Bastar’s development could take place. He highlighted the central government’s investment of over 4 lakh crore rupees in Chhattisgarh over the past decade, under the leadership of Narendra Modi, alongside various schemes designed to uplift and honor tribal communities. During the Bastar Dussehra Lokotsav, 2025, and Swadeshi Mela, Shah reaffirmed the goal to eliminate Naxalism from the country by March 31, 2026.
Shah took a stern approach toward Naxals, stating that security forces would respond forcefully to those attempting to disrupt peace in Bastar. He appealed to tribal communities to convince young people in their villages to lay down their arms, return to the mainstream, and actively participate in Bastar’s development. He emphasized the government’s dedication to the development of Bastar and all Naxal-affected areas and invited Maoists to take advantage of the surrender policy. He also reinforced the objective of eradicating Naxalism by March 31, 2026.
He criticized Naxalism for hindering development, stating that it prevented progress from reaching tribal communities. He contrasted the advancements made in other areas of the country, such as infrastructure and social welfare programs, while acknowledging that Bastar lagged behind because of Naxalism. He stated that the government’s efforts are focused on the development of the region.
Shah assured the people of Bastar, on behalf of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, that Naxalism would not impede their development or rights after March 31st of the following year. He urged residents to persuade those involved in Naxal activities to surrender and join the mainstream. He mentioned that the Chhattisgarh government has implemented the best surrender policy in the country. Villages that become Naxal-free would receive one crore rupees from the Chhattisgarh government for their development.
Shah also shared that he offered prayers at the Dantewari Mai temple in Jagdalpur, seeking blessings for the security forces to eliminate ‘red terror’ from Bastar by March 31, 2026. Prior to his address, the Home Minister participated in the traditional Muriya Darbar, a part of the Bastar Dussehra festival, where he interacted with local priests and tribal leaders.