Chhattisgarh Deputy CM Vijay Sharma Announces Withdrawal of Central Forces from Bastar by 2027
In a significant development regarding the security situation in Chhattisgarh, Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Vijay Sharma declared on Tuesday that the majority of central paramilitary forces deployed in the Bastar region could commence their withdrawal by March 31, 2027. This timeline is set one year after the state's publicly declared target of completely eradicating armed Naxalism by March 31, 2026.
Focus on the 2026 Deadline and Security Roadmap
Sharma emphasized that the current administration is intensely focused on meeting the March 31, 2026 deadline. He noted that Union Home Minister Amit Shah has also indicated that central armed forces will start returning from Chhattisgarh by March 31, 2027. "We are presently focused on the March 31, 2026 deadline. The Union home minister has also said that by March 31, 2027, central armed forces will start returning from Chhattisgarh. By then, we have to make complete arrangements," Sharma stated in an interview with TOI.
Providing one of his clearest statements yet on the security roadmap, Sharma revealed that the Maoist insurgency in Bastar has been substantially weakened. He reported that out of the 30 Maoist area committees that were previously active, 26 are now dormant. The remaining four committees, located in south and west Bastar, are also targeted for elimination in the near future.
Shift in Strategy and Current Maoist Status
The Home Minister disclosed that security agencies are still actively tracking senior Maoist leader Papa Rao. However, he highlighted a strategic shift in the government's approach, moving from targeting individual leaders to ensuring lasting territorial control. "Whether he comes or not, the area should be free," Sharma asserted, underscoring the priority of liberating the region from armed insurgent control.
Sharma further claimed that the number of Maoists remaining in the forests is now relatively small, with their exact operational status becoming increasingly unclear. "Around 50 to 60 Maoists may still be in the forests. We are not even sure how many remain armed. Many have thrown away uniforms, buried weapons and are living in villages like civilians," he explained, indicating a significant degradation in the insurgents' capabilities.
Assembly Discussion and Budget Allocations
Earlier, during a discussion on budget demands for the home, jail, panchayat and rural development, and science and technology departments in the state assembly, Sharma outlined the government's preparations for a phased drawdown of central forces. His remarks came amid a sharp intervention from Leader of Opposition Charandas Mahant, who demanded clarification on reports that the Centre had sought Rs 21,530 crore from Chhattisgarh towards expenditure on the deployment of central paramilitary forces.
Mahant questioned the budget provisions for this substantial liability, referencing a letter from Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai to the Centre on March 17, 2025, seeking a waiver of the amount. The Centre had reportedly replied that the payment could be made in four instalments. In response, Sharma clarified that the correspondence spans both the previous Congress government and the current regime, with the matter nearing final settlement. He assured that the final decision on payment would be made by the Chief Minister and Finance Minister, and it would not impose a major burden on the state's finances.
Former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel referenced the approaching March 31 deadline, suggesting that if the target is met, a special session of the assembly should be convened to mark the end of Naxalism in the state. He also cautioned that any post-conflict transition in Bastar must primarily benefit local residents.
Detailed Budget and Rehabilitation Plans
Sharma used the budget discussion to elaborate on the government's comprehensive security and rehabilitation strategies. Key allocations include:
- Police Department Budget: A total of Rs 7,721.01 crore, comprising Rs 7,130.48 crore under revenue expenditure and Rs 590.53 crore under capital expenditure.
- Rehabilitation Funds: Rs 38 crore earmarked for fixed deposits and skill training of surrendered Left Wing Extremists under the central rehabilitation policy.
- Modernization Initiatives: Six new posts proposed for a modern IT centre at the police headquarters in Nava Raipur to enhance investigation and prevention of cyber and modern crimes.
- Specialized Units: New posts approved under units including the Anti-Terrorist Squad, State Industrial Security Force, Special Operations Group, Anti-Narcotics Task Force, and bomb disposal units.
Following the discussion, the assembly rejected a Congress cut motion after voting and passed the budget demands of Sharma's departments, reinforcing the government's commitment to its security and development agenda in Chhattisgarh.
