Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai welcomed them into the mainstream and noted that their decision to shun armed struggle marked not only a personal transformation but also a significant step towards a brighter future for Chhattisgarh. Photo: X/ChhattisgarhCMO
As many as 140 ex-Maoists, including 54 women, visited the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly in Raipur on Wednesday (March 18, 2026) to watch its proceedings, marking a major step in their further reintegration into society after giving up the path of violence.
The surrendered cadres also met Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on the premises of the Assembly, which is having its budget session, and discussed in detail their lives before the surrender and the current status, an official statement said.
During the interaction, the ex-rebels told Mr. Sai that their lives have undergone a complete transformation as they used to live in the forests amidst fear and insecurity, but now they are enjoying a safe and dignified life with their families.
They highlighted the rapid development in the respective regions, including improved roads, regular electricity and the presence of other basic infrastructure that made everyday life easier.
Some of them became emotional as they shared that they celebrated festivals like Holi with their families for the first time in their lives, an experience they described as new and joyful, the report said.
Welcoming them into the mainstream, Mr Sai noted that their decision to shun armed struggle marked not only a personal transformation but also a significant step towards a brighter future for Chhattisgarh, where large parts of the territory were once under Maoist control.
The CM emphasized that with their faith in the constitution, the former Maoists have set a positive and inspiring example for others.
Mr. Sai assured that the state government remains fully committed to the rehabilitation, employment and social reintegration of the surrendered Maoists.
He asserted that Maoism in the state was at its final stage and expressed confidence that the goal of eliminating it under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah would be achieved soon.
The Center has pledged to eliminate left-wing extremism completely by March 31, 2026.
Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma, in-charge of Home Ministry, Forest Minister Kedar Kashyap and Principal Secretaries of Panchayat Rural Development Department and Niharika Barik were also present during the interaction.
Earlier on February 27, about 120 ex-Maoists, including senior leader Rupesh, visited the gathering to witness his proceedings.
Published – 18 March 2026 21:13 IST
