Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said on Thursday that Maoism can be eradicated in India before the March 31, 2026 deadline, underscoring his government’s determination to end what was once the country’s biggest internal security problem.
Ex-rebels who have surrendered will not return to the jungle because of massive rehabilitation programmes, the chief minister said.
“Naxalism was the biggest obstacle. development in Chhattisgarh. Ever since our government came to power on 13th December 2023, our government has launched an intensive crackdown under the twin engine government. Our prime minister has already set a target of March 31, 2026. Our jawans are motivated and have been fighting the Naxals,” Sai told Hindustan Times at the 23rd Leadership Summit on Thursday.
The BJP leader also spoke about the development programs initiated by his government, how the local administration has regained control over the last remaining red bastions and the planned tough anti-conversion law.
“487 so far Naxalsincluding their top cadres, have already been neutralized. The numbers of surrenders and arrests are also high. We firmly believe that the goal will be met. For now, the deadline is March 31, 2026, but it may be reached earlier,” he said.
Sai’s remarks came amid a month-long crackdown by security forces against Maoists that saw several encounters, deaths of prominent figures such as Madvi Hidma and Basavaraja and hundreds of cadres laying down arms every other day.
On Tuesday, 12 Maoists were killed in an encounter in which three policemen also lost their lives.
Naxalism has been the biggest obstacle to development in Chhattisgarh.
“Only recently, about 38 Naxals surrendered. Many of them were those who got reward.” ₹8 lakhs. Our rehabilitation policy brings results. More than 2,336 Naxals surrendered, 1,853 were arrested. We provide help to those who give up ₹10,000 per month for the first three years and skill training for their rehabilitation,” he said.
23rd edition Hindustan Times Leadership Summit (HTLS) is held under the theme “Transforming Tomorrow”.
