Union Home Minister Amit Shah, speaking in Jagdalpur, dismissed any prospect of dialogue with Maoists, asserting that they must first surrender and then participate in the development of Bastar. He also stated that the Narendra Modi-led central government has provided over 4 lakh crore rupees for development work in Chhattisgarh over the past 10 years, alongside several schemes launched to honor the tribal population.
At the Bastar Dussehra Lokotsav, 2025, and Swadeshi Mela event held at Lalbagh Parade Ground, Jagdalpur, Amit Shah once again reiterated the commitment to eliminate Naxalism from the country by March 31st of the following year.
Shah took a tough line on the Naxalites, stating that the security forces would give a fitting response to those who disrupt peace in Bastar by force. He urged the tribal communities to encourage the youth in their villages to lay down their arms and return to the mainstream, participating in the development of Bastar.
He clarified that both governments (Chhattisgarh and Central) are dedicated to the development of Bastar and all Naxal-affected areas. He urged them to surrender, emphasizing the attractive surrender policy. He warned that if anyone tries to disturb the peace in Bastar through violence, the armed forces will respond strongly, and that Naxalism will be removed from the country by March 31, 2026.
Describing Naxalism as an obstacle to development, the Union Home Minister said that some people in Delhi have spread the misconception that Naxalism is a fight for development. He clarified to the tribal communities that their development was hindered by Naxalism. He highlighted that now, every village in the country has access to electricity, drinking water, roads, toilets, health insurance, free rice, and a fair price for their paddy, but Bastar has lagged behind due to Naxalism.
The Union Home Minister announced that Naxal-free villages will be granted 1 crore rupees.
He stated that after March 31 of the next year, Naxalites will not be able to hinder the progress or rights of the people, highlighting the work done and what remains.
Appealing to the people of Bastar to stay away from Naxalism, Amit Shah appealed to them to persuade the misguided youth to surrender. He acknowledged the surrender policy of Chhattisgarh and informed that many people have surrendered. He emphasized that no one benefits from Naxalism.
Amit Shah also visited the Dantewari temple in Jagdalpur for worship 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.
Earlier, Shah participated in the traditional Muriya Darbar, which is part of the world-famous Bastar Dussehra festival, where he interacted with priests and leaders from the tribal community.