'Big achievement': Maha Dy CM Shinde hails HM Shah after Bastar declared 'Maiost-free'
Mumbai, May 19
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Shiv Sena Chief Eknath Shinde on Tuesday appreciated Union Home Minister Amit Shah's efforts towards eradication of Naxalism from the country after the latter claimed Chhattisgarh's Bastar as "Maoist-free".
Home Minister Shah declared that Naxalism has been completely eradicated from Bastar and the entire country well before the target date of March 31, 2026.
Speaking to IANS, Deputy Chief Minister Shinde said: "I thank and congratulate Home Minister Amit Shah. He had announced that India would be freed from Naxalism, and today we saw that Bastar has become Maoist-free."
"India is also becoming free from Naxalism, and this is a big achievement," he added.
Deputy Chief Minister Shinde was optimistic that the places that have been completely freed from Naxalism will witness development and people will get employed.
"Roads will be made, healthcare and education will be improved. There will be a huge positive impact in people's lives," he asserted.
The Shiv Sena Chief added: "It is a big work done by the country's Union Home Minister (Amit Shah)."
The Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister also said that the state government has worked toward eradicating Naxalism from Gadchiroli district, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah.
"It is a big achievement too," he added.
Deputy CM Shinde said: "Today all Indians are proud of Home Minister Amit Shah on the fulfillment of his pledge to free India from Naxalism."
Echoing similar view, BJP leader Syed Shahnawaz Hussain also welcomed the Maoist-free declaration.
"The country's Home Minister Amit Shah is being appreciated across the nation for his announcement of a time-bound plan to eliminate Naxalism. He has fulfilled his promise, and the country is now free from Naxalism," he told IANS.
Home Minister Amit Shah made the announcement while addressing a press conference after the 26th meeting of the Central Zonal Council at Jagdalpur in Bastar district of Chhattisgarh, marking the first time this important regional platform was held there.
— IANS
Reader Comments
I'm cautiously optimistic. While this is a big step forward, we should remember that many tribal communities in Bastar have faced decades of neglect. True peace will come when local youth have jobs, health facilities are functional, and their voices are heard in governance. Let's hope this isn't just a political claim but translates into ground reality.
This is what decisive leadership looks like! Amit Shah ji set a target and achieved it ahead of schedule. The Maoist ideology has only brought violence and underdevelopment to our tribal areas. Now we need to replicate this success in Gadchiroli and other affected regions. Proud moment for every Indian. 🇮🇳
As someone who has worked in development projects in Chhattisgarh, I can tell you this is significant. While the military success is important, let's not forget that many ex-Maoists have surrendered and need rehabilitation. The government must focus on skill training and livelihood opportunities to prevent disillusionment from leading back to insurgency.
Shinde ji is right to praise this—Bastar was literally a war zone for years. But I hope the government doesn't become complacent. The Maoist ideology might be weakened, but the underlying issues of land rights, forest access, and social justice remain. Sustainable peace requires addressing these root causes. Still, this is a major milestone.
As a student from Maharashtra, I've seen how Naxalism affected Gadchiroli too. This coordinated effort between state and central governments is commendable. But I want to see concrete data
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