Terming the nation’s fight against Naxalism a triumph of holistic development and public confidence, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that the government’s resolute commitment to completely eradicate Left-Wing Extremism has yielded promising results across the country. He emphasized that regions once paralyzed by fear, violence, and deep-seated mistrust have now transitioned into a new era marked by progressive infrastructure, good governance, and life-changing opportunities for local communities.
Reflecting on the historical challenges faced by these regions, Prime Minister Modi said that ordinary citizens were once forced to live under a perpetual shadow of fear, constantly anxious about their personal safety, livelihoods, and basic dignity. Initiating developmental projects was an uphill task, as every effort toward progress—from laying critical roads to expanding telecommunication networks—faced violent resistance from Naxalites. Infrastructure materials were routinely set ablaze, while contractors were threatened and driven away in deliberate attempts to keep these areas isolated from development.
Despite these challenges, the Central Government accorded the highest priority to bringing development to the heart of Naxal-affected areas. Over the past several years, thousands of kilometres of all-weather roads have been constructed, thousands of mobile towers erected, and modern communication facilities extended to some of the remotest villages. Alongside physical connectivity, the expansion of banking services, postal networks, and robust financial inclusion initiatives has successfully bridged the gap between isolated communities and the national mainstream. Prime Minister Modi highlighted that this transformation extends far beyond concrete and cables. It represents a profound restoration of trust and the expansion of socio-economic opportunities for families that had long felt left behind.
The Prime Minister further clarified that the battle against Naxalism was never fought solely through military force, bombs, or bullets. Instead, the government maintained an equally compassionate focus on fulfilling the genuine hopes and aspirations of ordinary citizens. Continuous efforts were directed toward delivering welfare schemes to the last person in society, securing the rights of marginalized tribal communities, and reinforcing their faith in democratic institutions. This human-centric approach, he said, has significantly strengthened public trust in democratic processes and development initiatives.
Turning his focus to Bastar, Prime Minister Modi observed that the region, once marred by the grim realities of terror and conflict, is now witnessing a vibrant resurgence driven by the talent and constructive energy of its youth. He cited the enthusiastic participation of hundreds of thousands of young people in initiatives such as the Bastar Olympics as a powerful testament to this generational shift. This transformation demonstrates that the region’s youth are increasingly choosing the paths of education, sports, and constructive nation-building over violence and extremism.
Echoing these sentiments, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai remarked that the Prime Minister’s “Nation First” resolve, coupled with his visionary leadership and the unwavering courage of the security forces, has fundamentally reshaped the socio-economic landscape of Bastar and the state’s wider tribal regions. The seamless delivery of roads, quality education, accessible healthcare, advanced communication networks, banking services, and public welfare schemes has brought about an unprecedented and humane transformation in the lives of local residents.
Chief Minister Sai emphasized that through the coordinated efforts of the Central and State governments, the valour of security personnel, and the active cooperation of local communities, the dark chapter of Naxalism is nearing its end. Today, Bastar is no longer defined by conflict but by community participation, sporting excellence, flourishing eco-tourism, and emerging economic opportunities. He added that this transformation is a shining example of Prime Minister Modi’s vision of a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) and his commitment to Antyodaya—the upliftment of the most marginalized sections of society. The Chief Minister expressed confidence that, under the Prime Minister’s continued guidance, Chhattisgarh will emerge as a national model of development and good governance, with Bastar positioning itself among the fastest-growing regions of the country.