Amit Shah to Lead Critical Anti-Maoist Security Review in Raipur as 2026 Deadline Approaches
Union Home Minister Amit Shah is set to embark on a significant visit to Chhattisgarh from February 7 to 9, 2026, with a packed agenda centered on national security and cultural engagement. His tour comes at a pivotal moment as the Centre's deadline of March 31, 2026, for eliminating Left-wing extremism (LWE) in India draws near, adding urgency to the proceedings.
High-Stakes Security Review in Naya Raipur
Shah will arrive in Raipur on Saturday evening and immediately convene a meeting with top officials to prepare for the main event. On Sunday, he will chair a crucial LWE security review meeting in Naya Raipur, which officials are describing as one of the final major assessments before the March-end timeline. This gathering is expected to include senior officers from the Chhattisgarh police, Central forces, and various intelligence agencies, highlighting its comprehensive nature.
The review is anticipated to take a detailed stock of ground operations, intelligence inputs, and operational progress across Maoist-affected regions. These areas span multiple states, including Chhattisgarh, Telangana, Maharashtra, and Odisha, with a particular focus on the Bastar division. In recent months, counter-insurgency deployments and search operations have intensified in Bastar, making it a key area of discussion.
Officials have indicated that this latest review could play a vital role in shaping the final-phase strategy ahead of the March 31 deadline. It may lead to a renewed push to step up operations in vulnerable pockets, ensuring a coordinated and effective approach to meeting the Centre's goal.
Cultural Engagement at Bastar Pandum Mahotsav
Beyond security matters, Shah's visit will also feature a cultural stop in Bastar. On February 9, he is scheduled to head to Jagdalpur to attend the closing ceremony of the Bastar Pandum Mahotsav 2026. This community-centric festival celebrates tribal traditions, folk arts, and indigenous lifestyles, offering a platform to honor the rich heritage of the region.
The divisional-level events of Bastar Pandum 2026 have seen record participation, with the state government promoting it as a celebration of tribal culture. The competitions span 12 traditional cultural disciplines, including tribal dance, theatre, folk music, crafts, and indigenous cuisine. This year's edition has garnered an impressive 54,745 registrations, reflecting widespread community involvement.
About 84 teams selected from district competitions and 705 artists are set to perform over three days. The largest contingent is in tribal dance, with 192 artists, followed by tribal theatre, featuring 134 performers. Additionally, around 65 artists will showcase traditional musical instruments, while 56 participants will present tribal cuisine and beverage demonstrations, highlighting the festival's diverse offerings.
Additional Engagements and Context
During his visit, Shah is also slated to attend a national conclave titled Chhattisgarh@25: Shifting the Lens, which may focus on developmental and strategic perspectives in the state. Sources suggest that he could make a visit to interior Bastar to gather on-ground feedback from field commanders and deployed personnel, emphasizing a hands-on approach to security assessments.
This Chhattisgarh visit marks Shah's second trip in two months, following his attendance at the 60th DGP-IGP conference from November 28 to 30. The continuity of his engagements underscores the ongoing focus on addressing LWE and fostering cultural ties in the region.
As the deadline for eliminating Left-wing extremism approaches, Shah's dual focus on security and culture in Chhattisgarh highlights a balanced strategy aimed at both ensuring safety and promoting indigenous heritage. The outcomes of this review meeting and the cultural festivities are poised to have significant implications for the region's future.
