Calling March 31 a historic milestone in Chhattisgarh’s long battle against Left-wing extremism, Vishnu Deo Sai said the state is now entering a new phase where security operations, governance expansion, and development are moving together to weaken Naxal influence across affected districts.
Addressing the changing security situation in Chhattisgarh, the Chief Minister said decades of violence had held back development, especially in the Bastar region, but coordinated action between the Centre and the state has begun delivering visible results.
He credited the current anti-Naxal momentum to the leadership of Narendra Modi and Amit Shah, stating that the combined strength of the so-called double-engine government and the courage of security forces have pushed the campaign into a decisive phase.
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CM Says New Strategy Began After Government Change
According to Sai, the anti-Naxal campaign gained sharper direction immediately after the change of government in December 2023.
He said coordination between the Centre and state improved rapidly, and the following month Amit Shah visited Chhattisgarh for a detailed review of security conditions in Naxal-affected areas.
The Chief Minister stated that this led to stronger planning, operational clarity, and greater administrative focus on districts most affected by Maoist violence.
Sharp Political Attack on Previous Government
Sai also used the occasion to target the previous government led by Bhupesh Baghel.
He alleged that the previous administration lacked both strategic clarity and political will in dealing with Naxalism.
According to him, the persistence of violence despite five years of Congress rule reflected administrative weakness rather than structural inevitability.
He argued that if firm action had been taken earlier, Chhattisgarh would not have remained the state carrying the largest share of Naxal impact in the country.
Claim That Chhattisgarh Bore Majority of National Naxal Burden
The Chief Minister said recent reviews indicated that more than 75 percent of the country’s Naxal impact had remained concentrated in Chhattisgarh.
He described this as evidence that earlier anti-Naxal responses were insufficient.
He also said that while several other states reduced Left-wing extremism significantly, Chhattisgarh continued to face deep security challenges because of delayed and weak institutional responses.
Bastar at the Centre of the Security and Development Narrative
Sai said that for nearly four decades, the Bastar region remained trapped between violence and underdevelopment despite being rich in natural resources.
He argued that this cycle is now beginning to break.
According to him, roads, governance outreach, and state presence are increasing, helping Bastar reconnect with mainstream development.
The government sees this as central to long-term peace.
Target Date Set by Amit Shah
The Chief Minister referred to Amit Shah’s publicly stated goal of eliminating Naxalism by March 31, 2026.
He said that this target now appears increasingly realistic on the ground because of coordinated action, stronger security deployment, and more focused administrative planning.
Sai described the progress as one of the most significant internal security developments for the state in recent years.
Attack on Rahul Gandhi Over Naxalism Narrative
Sai also launched a political attack on Rahul Gandhi, questioning what he called ambiguity in Congress messaging on Naxal-related issues.
He referred to incidents during the Bharat Jodo Yatra and alleged that certain public interactions and slogans raised concerns about ideological softness toward extremist narratives.
He said that any messaging which appears sympathetic to forces opposed to national security is unacceptable.
Reference to Hidma Slogans
The Chief Minister also mentioned slogans linked to Hidma, saying such expressions amount to moral support for anti-national violence.
He argued that when security personnel are risking their lives in anti-Naxal operations, glorification of extremist figures damages public morale and national resolve.
Government Says Development Will Follow Security Gains
Sai said the weakening of Naxal influence will directly help attract investment, employment, and infrastructure growth.
He argued that peace in affected districts will unlock broader development opportunities across Chhattisgarh.
The government believes that improved security will especially benefit tribal and remote regions where state access remained limited for years.
Political Message Ahead of Future Security Narrative
The Chief Minister concluded by saying that citizens are closely watching which political forces stand clearly with national security.
He appealed to all political parties to maintain a unified stand on internal security and avoid political ambiguity on issues involving violence and extremism.
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