Prime Minister Narendra Modi has declared that India is nearing the conclusion of its struggle against Left-Wing Extremism (LWE). Speaking at the Chhattisgarh Rajat Mahotsav in Nava Raipur, which marked the state’s 25th anniversary, the Prime Minister highlighted the transformative journey of Chhattisgarh. He stated that the initiatives sown 25 years ago have blossomed into a significant development movement, likening it to a “vat vriksh” or banyan tree.
Modi pointed out the stark reduction in Maoist-affected districts, which has fallen from 125 to just three over the past 11 years. He expressed optimism that Chhattisgarh and the entire nation would soon be free from the scourge of Maoist terror. The Prime Minister also noted that the government has committed to eradicating Maoism by March 31, 2026, with over 270 Maoists neutralized in encounters this year alone. The three most affected districts are Sukma, Bijapur, and Narayanpur, all located in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar region.
He emphasized how Maoist ideology had historically deprived tribal areas of essential facilities, with villages often lacking roads, schools, and hospitals. Modi recalled instances where doctors and teachers were targeted, and infrastructure was destroyed. He contrasted this with the current progress, citing examples such as electricity reaching Chilkapalli village in Bijapur after seven decades, the construction of the first school in Rekawaya (Abhujmaad, Narayanpur) since independence, and Puvarti village in Sukma, a former Maoist stronghold, now experiencing development. “The red flag has been replaced by the national tricolour,” he proudly stated.
The Prime Minister shared his personal commitment to addressing the violence that affected tribal communities, stating, “I could not stand by and watch my tribal brothers and sisters being destroyed by violence. I could not bear to see mothers crying for their children.” He reiterated the government’s resolve, made in 2014, to free India from Maoist terror, asserting that the results are now evident.
During his visit, Prime Minister Modi also inaugurated the new Chhattisgarh legislative assembly building and unveiled a statue of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. He lauded Chhattisgarh’s 25-year evolution from a state known for violence and backwardness to a symbol of prosperity and stability, attributing this transformation to the efforts of its people and visionary leadership.
Modi highlighted recent surrenders, noting that dozens of Maoists, including high-value targets, have laid down arms. He mentioned significant surrenders in Kanker and Bastar, where individuals have embraced the Constitution and chosen peace.
Furthermore, the Prime Minister inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for various developmental projects valued at over ₹14,260 crore, spanning sectors like roads, industry, healthcare, and energy. He stressed the importance of Chhattisgarh’s development for achieving a developed India by 2047.
He also inaugurated the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Tribal Freedom Fighters Museum, which chronicles over 150 years of tribal contributions to India’s freedom struggle. Modi also noted the significant expansion of the road network, with over 40,000 km of roads built, and the increase in medical colleges from one to 14, including an AIIMS in Raipur.
In concluding remarks, Modi emphasized India’s role as a first responder during global crises and its commitment to universal peace and well-being, rooted in its spiritual traditions.