In a development few could have imagined in recent years, the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly witnessed an extraordinary moment on Friday as 120 surrendered Maoists, rehabilitated under the state’s new surrender and rehabilitation policy, entered its precincts to observe democratic proceedings.
From the visitors’ gallery, the delegation followed debates in the House, gaining first-hand exposure to the functioning of India’s constitutional and legislative system.
The visit marked a symbolic transition from insurgency to institutional engagement. It formed part of a structured three-day educational tour aimed at familiarising former cadres with governance processes, administrative mechanisms, and development initiatives.
The 120-member delegation comprised 66 men and 54 women. Significantly, the group included one Central Committee member, five Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee members, seven Divisional Committee members, 33 Area Committee members, and 84 party-level cadres, representing ranks from senior leadership to village-level operatives.
Welcoming the delegation, the Assembly Chair termed the occasion historic, noting that it is rare for former insurgents to visit the House to reconnect with constitutional democracy. He congratulated them for choosing to rejoin the national mainstream and extended his best wishes for their future.
Members of the delegation closely followed the legislative proceedings and later described the experience as deeply inspiring. Many said that witnessing democratic debate from within the Assembly strengthened their resolve to remain within the framework of the Constitution and the law.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai met the group at the Assembly premises and welcomed them with “Jai Johar.” He said the state government wholeheartedly commends those who have chosen rehabilitation over violence and assured them that their safety and dignity would receive special attention.
“Our priority is that every rehabilitated youth should live with respect and earn a dignified livelihood,” the Chief Minister said.
He noted that the surrender and rehabilitation policy has been designed to ensure structured support in education, skill development, and self-employment.
Referring to the Assembly as the “temple of the Constitution,” the Chief Minister said that the presence of former insurgents within its precincts, after renouncing violence, was a compelling testament to the transformative power of democratic institutions.
He called upon them to fully leverage opportunities in education, skill development, and entrepreneurship under government initiatives, and to rebuild their lives as responsible, self-reliant citizens contributing constructively to society.
Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma said the state warmly welcomes those who have left the path of “gun-tantra” and embraced “ganatantra.” The constitutional path, he remarked, is the only route to sustainable peace, development, and prosperity.
Expressing confidence in their reintegration, he said the rehabilitated youth would become agents of positive change and inspire others to return to the mainstream.
Referring to national leadership, he said the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the objective set by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and the leadership of Chief Minister Sai are now yielding visible outcomes in Bastar.
Sharma later hosted the delegation for dinner at his Nava Raipur residence, where he interacted with them in an informal setting.
He emphasised that Bastar’s development now depends significantly on its people and spoke of cooperative-based processing of minor forest produce as a potential model for sustainable regional growth.
Several Cabinet ministers and legislators also interacted with the delegation, including Finance Minister OP Choudhary, Forest Minister Kedar Kashyap, School Education Minister Gajendra Yadav, Culture Minister Rajesh Agrawal, Skill Development Minister Guru Khushwant Saheb, Agriculture Minister Ramvichar Netam, Revenue Minister Tank Ram Verma, Health Minister Shyam Bihari Jaiswal, BJP state president and MLA Kiran Singh Deo, and MLA Sushant Shukla. They assured the group that the administration remains firmly committed to their long-term rehabilitation.
The Assembly premises echoed with chants of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai,” a moment participants described as emotional and symbolic of their renewed alignment with constitutional values.