Union Home Minister Amit Shah, during the closing ceremony speech of the ‘Bastar Pandum’ festival in Jagdalpur, Chhattisgarh, appealed to Naxalites to lay down their arms and join the mainstream.
He asserted that the Union government is determined to eliminate the Naxal menace by March 2026, promising comprehensive development for the tribal residents of Bastar.
“The era of bullets and bombs in Bastar is over. I urge Naxalite brothers to surrender and join the mainstream. You are our own people. No one rejoices when a Naxalite is killed. Surrender your weapons and join us. You cannot obstruct the development of your tribal brothers and sisters,” Shah stated, extending an olive branch to the outlawed Maoist movement.
Shah assured that surrendered Naxalites would receive full protection from both the Union and state governments, emphasising the region’s need for development. “Prime Minister Narendra Modi desires to provide everything to Bastar within five years. Bastar has been deprived of development for fifty years. But progress is only possible when children attend school, and tehsils have access to health facilities…when every individual possesses an Aadhaar card, ration card, and health insurance,” he said.
Shah credited Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai and Deputy CM Vijay Sharma for their efforts in making villages Naxalite-free, noting their announcement of Rs 1 crore development funds for villages that facilitate Naxalite surrenders.
“We are pursuing a dual strategy against Naxalism. Those who understand the value of computers and pens over arms and IEDs have surrendered. In 2025, 521 Naxalites have surrendered, and 881 surrendered in 2024. Those who surrender will be integrated into the mainstream, while those who refuse will face the full force of security forces. The BJP government will eradicate Red terror by March next year,” Shah declared.
Shah implored the audience to encourage militia members to surrender, promising security under the “double engine government.” He also announced plans to elevate the Bastar Pandum festival to a national and international stage, inviting President Droupadi Murmu to next year’s event and proposing to bring international ambassadors to Bastar to experience its rich tribal culture.
He envisioned a future where Bastar is synonymous with “bhavishya” (future) rather than “bhay” (fear), commending the efforts of the state leadership in driving development. “Where once bullets echoed, now machines hum. Once-deserted villages now have school bells ringing. Roads, once a dream, are becoming highways. Children once afraid of school now engage with the world through computers,” he said.
He criticised the Congress party for its decades-long “garibi hatao” (remove poverty) slogan, contrasting it with the Modi government’s achievements in providing housing, gas cylinders, toilets, tap water, and free foodgrains to millions. Shah also honored Pravir Chandra Bhanj Deo, the former ruler of Bastar, alleging his murder was a Congress conspiracy.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai and Deputy CMs Arun Sao and Vijay Sharma were present at the event. Earlier, Shah offered prayers at the Maa Danteshwari temple in Dantewada.