Maharashtra's Deputy CM Praises Amit Shah's Efforts Against Naxalism
Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has praised Union Home Minister Amit Shah for his efforts to eradicate Naxalism, noting significant progress in regions like Gadchiroli. Shinde emphasized that the threat of Naxalism has decreased, leading to more job opportunities for locals. Amit Shah, during a press conference, outlined the goal of making Bastar a developed area by 2031 and announced plans to eliminate remaining Naxalites. The commitment to a Naxal-free India is set to be achieved ahead of schedule, thanks to the dedication of security forces.
May 20, 2026, 15:28 IST
Shinde Commends Central Government's Naxalism Eradication Efforts
Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister, Eknath Shinde, has expressed appreciation for the initiatives taken by Union Home Minister Amit Shah to eliminate Naxalism. He noted that the central government's mission to rid the country of Naxalism is showing success in various regions, including Gadchiroli in Maharashtra. Speaking on Shah's remarks regarding Naxalism, Shinde stated on Tuesday that the threat posed by Naxalism in Maharashtra has significantly diminished, leading to increased employment and livelihood opportunities for the people.
Shinde informed reporters that the Home Minister has taken on the responsibility of making the country Naxal-free, and they are achieving this goal. He highlighted that the number of Naxalites in areas like Gadchiroli has decreased. With the decline of Naxalism, people are finding jobs and better means of living. Shinde thanked Amit Shah for his efforts, emphasizing that Gadchiroli is on its way to becoming Naxal-free. 'This is why I extend my gratitude to Home Minister Amit Shah... and India is becoming free from Naxalism,' he remarked.
Earlier on Tuesday, during a press conference in Chhattisgarh, Amit Shah stated that merely achieving a Naxal-free country and region is not enough; the goal is to develop Bastar by 2031. He asserted that when Bastar becomes fully developed by 2031, the world will witness that Naxalism was the main obstacle to its progress. He further mentioned that after the formation of their party's government on December 13, 2023, they would resume the campaign to eliminate the remaining Naxalites in Bastar.
Shah announced that following a meeting of all state police directors on August 24, 2024, it was declared that the country would be made Naxal-free by March 31. He added that the aim for the next five years is to increase Bastar's income sixfold, attributing the anticipated success in eradicating Naxalism before the set date to the valor, courage, and sacrifices of the security forces.