Final Strategic Push to Eliminate Maoism by 2026 Deadline
With only 51 days remaining until the Centre's March 31, 2026 deadline to eradicate armed Left-wing extremism, Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired a crucial high-level security review in Raipur on Sunday. This meeting, the last in a series of such reviews, signals what officials describe as a final strategic push to dismantle residual Maoist networks while accelerating a comprehensive development-and-livelihood reset for the Bastar region.
Shah Expresses Confidence in Complete Elimination
During the review, Shah highlighted that the security-centric strategy, expansion of infrastructure, targeted action against Maoist financial networks, and an effective surrender policy have delivered tangible results. He expressed strong confidence that Naxalism is nearing complete elimination before the March 31, 2026 deadline. Shah emphasized the critical need for tight inter-state coordination to prevent remaining cadres from slipping across borders.
"What was once a stronghold of Naxalite violence has now become a symbol of development under the BJP's double-engine government in Chhattisgarh," Shah stated. He added that the state's youth are now driving progress in areas such as sports, forensic and technical education, all while preserving local culture and traditions.
Call for Seamless Coordination and Development Focus
Shah stressed that the fight against Maoists must not be "scattered" and called for seamless coordination among states and central agencies to prevent any regrouping of extremist elements. He also reviewed development works in the state, asserting that Chhattisgarh has made notable gains on both security and development fronts. Shah reiterated that people in affected areas must receive equal opportunities as peace consolidates, with the Centre and state governments leaving "no stone unturned" to end Maoism, which he said has pushed generations into poverty and illiteracy.
High-Level Attendance and Comprehensive Discussions
The extensive Left-wing extremism review, held at a hotel in Nava Raipur, brought together a significant gathering of top officials. Attendees included Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Vijay Sharma, additional chief secretaries (home), directors general of police from LWE-affected states, and top leadership of central forces and intelligence agencies.
Also present were directors general of the CRPF, BSF, ITBP, and NIA, along with senior officers from Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, and Telangana. The review ran through multiple sessions, beginning with an initial intelligence and ground-security assessment, followed by further reviews until evening.
Officials indicated that discussions examined operational tempo, intelligence inputs, and a coordinated roadmap to clear residual areas ahead of the deadline. The talks also explored "new models" of development specifically tailored for LWE-affected pockets.
Post-Meeting Statements and Statistical Context
In a post-meeting statement, Shah reiterated that the review with the Chhattisgarh government demonstrated how the security-centric approach, infrastructure strengthening, financial-network crackdowns, and surrender policy are yielding positive results. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai described the meeting as a "strong signal of decisive progress" against Left-wing extremism.
"We are moving forward with full commitment and speed to fulfil our resolve of making Chhattisgarh Naxal-free by March 31," Sai affirmed.
Chhattisgarh's Bastar region, comprising seven districts and bordering Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha, has long been considered the strongest Maoist bastion in India. According to police statistics, since January 2024, over 500 Maoists have been killed, approximately 1,900 arrested, and more than 2,500 have surrendered in the state alone.
Shah is currently on a three-day visit to Chhattisgarh and is also scheduled to attend the closing programme of the Bastar Pandum festival, further emphasizing the government's dual focus on security and cultural preservation in the region.
