Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Thursday said Maoism could be eradicated even before the March 31, 2026 deadline, asserting that tough security action, large-scale surrenders, and focused development initiatives have brought the state closer than ever to eliminating the decades-old insurgency.
Speaking at a leadership interaction, Sai said Maoism had long been the biggest obstacle to development in Chhattisgarh and that his government has adopted a two-pronged approach of security operations and welfare measures.
&ldquo;Naxalism was the biggest impediment to development in Chhattisgarh. Since our government came to power on December 13, 2023, our government launched an intensive crackdown under the double engine government. Our Prime Minister has already set a target of March 31, 2026. Our jawans are motivated and have taken the fight to the Naxals,&rdquo; he said.
Highlighting the scale of operations, Sai added, &ldquo;So far, 487 Naxals, including their top cadres, have already been neutralised. The surrenders and arrests numbers are also high. We are confident that the target will be met. For now the deadline is March 31, 2026 but it may be achieved before that.&rdquo;
The chief minister said surrendered Maoists are unlikely to return to armed violence due to strong rehabilitation efforts by the state. &ldquo;Only recently, around 38 Naxals surrendered. Many among them were those with rewards of ₹8 lakh. Our rehabilitation policy is yielding results,&rdquo; he said.
Detailing the rehabilitation package, Sai said, &ldquo;More than 2,336 Naxals have surrendered, 1,853 were arrested. To those surrendering, we are giving an aid of ₹10,000 a month for the first three years and skill training for their rehabilitation. Recently in Jagdalpur, a cafe run by surrendered Maoists has opened. Many people are visiting the cafe. The response is good.&rdquo;
He added that surrendered cadres are also being supported with land and housing. &ldquo;In rural areas, we are also giving him one hectare land for farming. In urban areas, there is a provision for their shelter. Those Maoists who had rewards on their heads, there is a provision to ensure that they receive the money after the surrender,&rdquo; he said.
Sai said development has accelerated in areas that remained under Maoist control for decades. &ldquo;Ending LWE violence is not enough. We have to bring in development too. This is why we have the Niyad Nellanar Yojana. Under this we are connecting all remote villages to the mainstream. Roads, electricity, schools and ration cards are reaching areas that were neglected for years,&rdquo; he said.
The chief minister also pointed to social and cultural initiatives, saying, &ldquo;Last year we held the Bastar Olympics for the youth of Bastar. This time, nearly 4 lakh people have come. There is a scope for tourism too in such a place. Home stays will be promoted.&rdquo;
Sai further announced the government&rsquo;s intent to introduce a tougher anti-conversion law. &ldquo;There is a law in place but there is a need to make it more stringent. I am confident that the bill will come up in the assembly session between December 14 and 17 where it will be supported and passed,&rdquo; he said.
&ldquo;Our country is secular but if anyone takes advantage of a person&rsquo;s circumstances, conditions and indulge in conversion then that is incorrect. It should be condemned,&rdquo; he added.
On the Mahadev betting app case, the chief minister said enforcement agencies are tightening the noose around those involved. &ldquo;The people behind this app have cheated our people. Ravi Uppal is on the run but his associate Sourabh Chadrakar was detained in Dubai. He is under house arrest. Our agencies are working. He will be brought back soon,&rdquo; Sai said.

Maoism Could End Before 2026 Deadline: CM

Chhattisgarh CM says strong action, surrenders and development may finish Maoism early

Maoism Could End Before 2026 Deadline: CM

Chhattisgarh CM says strong action, surrenders and development may finish Maoism early

December 4, 2025 | 20:50 IST