Daijiworld Media Network - Bastar
Bastar, Dec 13: Union home minister Amit Shah on Saturday said India is nearing the fulfilment of its goal to completely eliminate Left Wing Extremism, asserting that Maoist violence across the country will be eradicated before March 31, 2026.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the Bastar Olympics 2025 in Jagdalpur, Shah expressed confidence that by the time the next edition of the games is held in November–December 2026, Bastar and the rest of the country will be entirely free of what he termed “red terror.” Standing alongside Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai and Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma, he said a Maoist-free Bastar would move rapidly towards progress and prosperity.
The Home Minister said the resolve to eliminate Maoism is being pursued under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and stressed that the focus must now extend beyond security to development. He outlined an ambitious roadmap to transform the seven-district Bastar division — Kanker, Kondagaon, Bastar, Sukma, Bijapur, Narayanpur and Dantewada — into the most developed tribal region in the country by December 2030.
Shah said the government aims to ensure universal access to basic amenities in Bastar, including housing, electricity, toilets, tap water, cooking gas, free food grains, and medical treatment up to Rs 5 lakh. He added that road connectivity would reach every village, banking facilities would be available within a five-kilometre radius, and a strong network of healthcare centres would be created.
Highlighting livelihood initiatives, he said cooperative-based units would be set up to process forest produce, while dairy development would be promoted to make all seven Bastar districts the highest milk-producing tribal districts in the country. New industries, higher education facilities, advanced hospitals and what he described as the country’s best sports complex are also planned for the region.
The Home Minister also announced a special programme to tackle malnutrition and said an attractive rehabilitation policy would be introduced for surrendered Maoists and those affected by Maoist violence.
Referring to the Bastar Olympics 2025, Shah noted that the event featured teams from all seven districts along with a special team of surrendered Maoists. He said it was heartening to see more than 700 former Maoists participating in the games, describing their journey from armed conflict to mainstream life and sports as a powerful symbol of change and hope for the region.