NEW DELHI – Speaking in the Lok Sabha on March 30, 2026, Union Home Minister Amit Shah declared that the shadow of Maoist violence has effectively been lifted from India. Highlighting the transformation of Chhattisgarh’s Bastar region, Shah emphasized that the area is now firmly on a “path of development” ahead of the government’s March 31 deadline for the eradication of Naxalism.
The Home Minister credited the shift to a dual strategy of aggressive security operations and saturation of grassroots welfare schemes.
Developmental Milestones in Bastar
Shah outlined a series of “last-mile” administrative successes that have reclaimed the region from insurgent influence:
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Infrastructure at the Doorstep: Campaigns have successfully established a school and a ration shop in every single village across the Bastar region.
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Healthcare Expansion: Primary and Community Health Centres have been operationalized in every Tehsil and Panchayat.
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Documentation & Food Security: Residents have been issued Aadhaar and ration cards, ensuring the delivery of five kilograms of food grains per person.
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Economic Integration: Shah noted that the “Red Terror” previously blocked these essential services, leaving tribal communities deprived for decades.
The Government’s Policy on Dialogue
Reiterating the Center’s “clear-cut” policy, the Home Minister addressed advocates for peace talks with a firm ultimatum:
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Surrender & Rehabilitate: The government remains open to dialogue only with those who lay down their arms. Comprehensive rehabilitation packages are guaranteed for those who choose this path.
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Firm Response to Violence: Shah warned that those who refuse to disarm will continue to face a “firm response” from security forces.
Political Accountability
The discussion sparked a sharp debate between the BJP and the Congress. Shah criticized the previous 60-year rule of the Congress party, blaming it for the proliferation of Maoism.
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Human Cost: He pointed out that Maoist violence has claimed 20,000 lives and affected 120 million people.
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Failure of Implementation: Shah argued that despite former PM Manmohan Singh labeling Naxalism as India’s greatest internal security threat, substantive action was only taken under the current administration to integrate tribal communities into the mainstream.
