Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has expressed strong confidence that the long-standing Maoist insurgency in India could be completely eradicated even before the national deadline of March 31, 2026. He made these remarks during a virtual address at the 23rd Hindustan Times Leadership Summit on Thursday.
Government's Resolve and Security Push
Sai, who leads the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in the state, described Naxalism as the biggest impediment to development in Chhattisgarh. He credited the "double engine government"—referring to BJP rule at both the state and central levels—for launching an intensive crackdown since assuming power on December 13, 2023. "Our jawans are motivated and have taken the fight to the Naxals," the Chief Minister stated, aligning the state's efforts with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's target.
Significant Operational Gains and Surrenders
The Chief Minister provided concrete data to back his optimism. He revealed that security forces have neutralised 487 Naxals, including top cadres, in recent operations. The campaign has also led to a high number of arrests and surrenders. "So far, more than 2,336 Naxals have surrendered and 1,853 were arrested," Sai announced. He highlighted a recent instance where 38 Maoists, some with bounties of ₹8 lakh, laid down their arms.
These operational successes are part of a months-long offensive that has seen the deaths of prominent Maoist leaders like Madvi Hidma and Basavaraju, alongside frequent encounters. In a recent incident on Tuesday, 12 Maoists were killed in a firefight that also claimed the lives of three police personnel.
Rehabilitation: The Key to Permanent Peace
A cornerstone of the government's strategy is a robust rehabilitation policy designed to ensure surrendered insurgents do not return to the jungles. Sai detailed the support package, which includes a monthly financial aid of ₹10,000 for the first three years and skill development training. "Our rehabilitation policy is yielding results," he asserted, emphasizing its role in providing a sustainable alternative to violence.
Beyond security, Sai also touched upon his administration's development initiatives in reclaimed areas and plans for a stringent anti-conversion law. The Chief Minister's address at the summit, themed "Transforming Tomorrow," projected a future for Chhattisgarh free from its decades-old internal security challenge, potentially ahead of the 2026 schedule.
