Over the past 19 months since Vishnu Deo Sai took office as Chhattisgarh’s Chief Minister, the state has witnessed an intensified crackdown on left-wing extremists, resulting in the deaths of over 400 individuals. Amidst the intense crackdown on the banned CPI (Maoist), Chief Minister Sai, in an exclusive interview with The Hindu, stated that left-wing extremism in the state is now in its final stages.
Despite calls to pause security operations and pursue peace talks, Mr. Sai affirmed that his government remains open to dialogue with Maoists, promising a ‘good’ rehabilitation policy for those who surrender and lay down arms. Addressing concerns about conflicts over burial rights between Christian and non-Christian tribal communities in Bastar, the Chief Minister announced that his government plans to introduce a strict law on religious conversion during the upcoming winter session of the State Assembly. He also highlighted that the state has successfully attracted investment proposals totaling ₹7 lakh crore in just ten months.
Here are edited excerpts from the interview:
Maoism: An Obstacle Eliminated in Bastar
Question: In recent months, the Chhattisgarh government is attempting to present the State as an attractive investment destination through investors’ meetings that you have attended both in India and abroad. What sectors have been given priority, and how many jobs do you anticipate will be generated as a result?
Answer: After launching our new industrial policy, we organized ‘investor connect’ events in major Indian cities like Delhi, Bengaluru, and Mumbai, as well as internationally in Tokyo, Osaka, and Seoul. This policy is proving to be very effective. Consequently, we’ve received investment proposals worth approximately ₹7 lakh crore in just ten months, with several projects already underway. We expect many more industries to follow, and our focus spans all sectors. Special attention has been given to tribal-majority regions such as Bastar and Surguja. Our new industrial policy offers special incentives for investments of ₹1,000 crore or more, or for companies providing employment to over 1,000 people. This approach is highly praised and will undoubtedly lead to increased investment and abundant employment opportunities for our youth.
Question: Is there a specific vision for Bastar, given that an armed conflict has been going on there for a long time?
Answer: Absolutely. In Bastar, tourism is a key focus due to its breathtaking natural beauty, including stunning waterfalls and dense forests. We’ve granted tourism industry status in our new industrial policy. Homestays are particularly popular, especially with foreign tourists who often stay with local families for a month, bringing significant economic benefits. We are also committed to promoting agriculture, as tribal communities and villagers here have a deep connection to farming. Our aim is to ensure irrigation for all fields and boost animal husbandry. Starting June 1st, we will distribute two cows to each family, and for this, the government has an agreement with the National Dairy Development Board.
Naxalism was a significant barrier to implementing this. But, in the last 19-20 months, we have largely succeeded in eliminating it, and the double-engine government has played a crucial role. Both the Hon’ble Prime Minister and the Hon’ble Home Minister have pledged to eradicate Naxalism by March 31st next year. The entire nation is witnessing the unwavering dedication of our security forces in fighting Naxalism over the last 19 months. We are achieving continuous success, with many top Naxalite leaders being neutralized. We can confidently say that Naxalism has been severely crippled; it is taking its last breath, and the resolve of our Prime Minister and Home Minister will certainly be realized. Following this, our priority is to bring comprehensive development to the area. We have established 38-40 security camps, with eight to nine new ones opened even during the rainy season. While a security camp’s coverage was previously a radius of 5 km, our Hon’ble Home Minister has increased it to 10 km, making it nearly impossible for Naxalites to evade capture. We are also implementing the ‘Niyad Nellanar’ or ‘Beautiful Village’ scheme, integrating all government programs in these areas. Roads are being constructed, electricity and water supplied, schools and hospitals built, and ration cards issued. Essential services like ration distribution and telecommunications are now reaching these remote areas, demonstrating our commitment to developing the region.
Question: But there has been criticism of these security operations too. Social organizations from across the country have written letters, and politicians like former Chief Minister of Telangana K. Chandrasekhar Rao have objected, claiming that youths and tribals are being killed.
Answer: These actions are entirely legitimate, with no grounds for denial. The operations have been ongoing for nearly 18-19 months. When Maoists are neutralized, their weapons are consistently recovered, confirming the authenticity of these encounters.
Question: Despite the state inflicting heavy losses on the Maoists, killings of civilians continue in the interior areas of Bastar. We have recently seen targeted killings of school teachers. Does the government have a concrete plan for their security?
Answer: These acts by Maoists stem from desperation. Their influence is diminishing, their power is crumbling, and they are in their final stages. Consequently, they are resorting to such desperate measures. Historically, our security forces suffered heavy casualties, with many personnel martyred. However, now, casualties among our soldiers are minimal, while almost all losses are on the Maoist side.
Question: In the past few days, there have been multiple letters attributed to the CPI (Maoist) in which divergent views have emerged about the outfit temporarily abandoning the armed struggle? Do you feel there is still room for negotiations?
Answer: We have always kept the path of dialogue open. Since assuming power, we have consistently urged them to abandon violence, cease hostilities, and reintegrate into the development mainstream. Violence will achieve nothing. We encourage them to surrender. The government will ensure justice and implement a robust rehabilitation policy for them. We have actively worked on this, with our Home Minister visiting various states to study their policies. We believe we have formulated the best rehabilitation policy for Maoists, providing skill training and employment opportunities to those who surrender. We offer ₹10,000 per month for two to three years and provide land for housing in urban areas or farming in villages. Furthermore, we have approved 15,000 houses for them under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana.
Question: Another emerging issue related to Bastar is that there are often conflicts between Christian and non-Christian tribal communities over burial rights. What according to you is a possible solution to this problem?
Answer: We are introducing a strict law on religious conversion, which will be enacted during the upcoming winter session of the State Assembly. We believe this legislation will bring a significant positive change. No one should be coerced into religious conversion. Our nation is secular, and voluntary conversion to any religion is not opposed. However, exploiting illiteracy or poverty, or using promises of miracles or services to manipulate and force conversions, is unacceptable and must be stopped.
Question: But such laws also bring forth allegations that they curb religious freedom…
Answer: That is absolutely false. The new law will simply require an application and permission before anyone changes their religion, ensuring transparency and preventing coerced conversions.
Question: After his son was arrested by the ED (Enforcement Directorate) in connection with the money laundering case linked to the alleged liquor scam, former CM and senior Congress leader Bhupesh Baghel claimed that the ruling party targeted him because he opposed tree felling for mining in Chhattisgarh. What’s your response?
Answer: There is no truth to that argument. His son’s bail has been repeatedly denied, and everyone should trust the judiciary. The previous government engaged in numerous scams throughout its five-year tenure, not just one, but across all sectors. They simply plundered Chhattisgarh, and today, many of their associates, not just one, are in jail. This clearly demonstrates the baselessness of his claims.
Question: The BJP government in the State under your leadership recently expanded its Cabinet. The constitutional validity of its current size of 14 Ministers has now been challenged by the Congress in court. Please share your opinion?
Answer: This matter is currently before the court, and we will abide by whatever decision is made. It’s worth noting that other states with 90 Assembly seats also have 14 ministers, indicating this is not an unusual practice.
Question: How do you see the new GST (Goods and Services Tax) reforms of the central government in the context of Chhattisgarh?
Answer: The most significant advantage for Chhattisgarh is the abolition of the ₹400 per tonne cess on coal, which has now been integrated into GST. Half of this revenue will directly benefit our state, generating several thousand crores. We’ve been holding meetings with traders and consumers, and there’s widespread satisfaction. Prices of daily essentials have decreased, benefiting both businesses and the public. As Chhattisgarh is the rice bowl of India, agricultural equipment like tractors have seen price reductions of ₹35,000 to ₹60,000, and pesticide prices have also fallen. This reduction in input costs will greatly benefit our farmers.
Question: You have won three elections in a row. What do you think are the reasons for this?
Answer: The Bharatiya Janata Party delivers on its promises. Our Hon’ble Prime Minister’s slogan, ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas’ (togetherness for all, development for all, trust for all, endeavor for all), guides our work. We implement schemes supported by the Prime Minister wherever we have jurisdiction, reaching every corner of the state. In Chhattisgarh, we have fulfilled all promises made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, including 18 lakh houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, commitments to farmers, and monthly financial assistance of ₹500 to 70 lakh women through the Mahatari Bandhan Yojana. We’ve increased the price of tendu leaves, launched the Ramlala Darshan Yojana, and provided ₹10,000 to over 562,000 landless agricultural laborers. Regarding the CGPSC (Chhattisgarh Public Service Commission) scam, which jeopardized our children’s future, the CBI is investigating as promised. People trust our party and government because they know we deliver.
Question: One of your promises was one lakh government jobs. What progress has been made on that front in the last 18 months? How many jobs have been given so far?
Answer: Recruitment is an ongoing process. In the last 18-19 months, we estimate that approximately 9,000 to 10,000 individuals have been recruited across various departments, including police, electricity, and cooperatives, among others, where vacancies exist. Our new industrial policy also places a strong emphasis on job creation, and we plan to organize a job fair in the near future.
Question: The State is celebrating its 25th anniversary. Progress has been made, but it still remains one of the most backward areas in the country. Have the goals set for a separate Chhattisgarh been achieved?
Answer: There has been substantial development over the past 25 years. I’ve been in public service since before Chhattisgarh’s formation and witnessed its evolution since my time as an MLA in undivided Madhya Pradesh. Back then, the region lacked basic amenities. People in Chhattisgarh died of hunger before its formation, surviving on mahua, kodo, and kutki grains. It was shameful; forget roads, electricity, and water, people faced starvation. In my own Jashpur district, then part of Raigarh, four people died of hunger. After Chhattisgarh’s formation and our government under Dr. Raman Singh came to power, we began providing grain at ₹1 per kg, eliminating hunger. This, I believe, is our greatest achievement. Later, the late Atal Bihari Vajpayee formed Chhattisgarh and initiated the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, connecting all villages.
Roads are fundamental for development; without them, no progress is possible. Today, comprehensive development is underway, with ration distribution, and advancements in education. Previously, education was neglected, but during our 15-year tenure under Raman Singh, premier institutions like IIT, IIM, IIIT, and AIIMS were established. Today, we have 18-19 universities. Regarding electricity, we generate 30,000 megawatts, making us a zero-power-cut state. All this progress became possible only after the formation of Chhattisgarh.