Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan said AIIMS Raipur reflects Chhattisgarh’s transformation towards peace, development and opportunity, while urging medical graduates to serve the country with dedication.

 Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan on Wednesday described AIIMS Raipur as a symbol of Chhattisgarh’s transition from years of challenges linked to left-wing extremism towards an era of peace, progress and opportunity.

Radhakrishnan was speaking at the third convocation of AIIMS Raipur, where he urged graduating students to shoulder their responsibility towards the health, trust and lives of citizens with dedication.

Addressing the graduates, the Vice President said the convocation was not merely a moment of celebration but also an occasion to recognise the responsibilities that come with their medical education.

“Today you are receiving your degrees and tomorrow you will be entrusted with a far more valuable responsibility—the health, trust and lives of the people of India,” he said.

AIIMS Raipur expands healthcare access

Radhakrishnan highlighted the role of AIIMS Raipur since its establishment in 2012 in reducing regional disparities in healthcare, medical education and research in central India.

He said the institution has emerged in a relatively short period as a major tertiary healthcare centre for Chhattisgarh and neighbouring states, while also extending quality medical services to rural and tribal communities.

The Vice President said the growth of AIIMS Raipur reflects the wider transformation taking place in Chhattisgarh.

From extremism to development

Referring to the challenges faced by parts of Chhattisgarh for decades, Radhakrishnan said difficult geography, poor connectivity and left-wing extremism had created major barriers to development.

He said fear and violence in several remote and tribal areas had affected the development of roads, schools and hospitals, leaving communities with limited access to essential services.

According to the Vice President, Chhattisgarh is now moving towards a new phase of prosperity, development and progress. He attributed the change to the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai.

Radhakrishnan said the long-standing Naxal threat had ended and that areas once associated with violence were increasingly becoming associated with roads, schools, hospitals, connectivity, investment and opportunities.

“This transformation is a powerful example of how strong political will, a firm security policy and development-oriented governance can bring about significant change,” he said.

AIIMS Raipur’s medical achievements highlighted

The Vice President also praised AIIMS Raipur for its achievements in advanced healthcare and transplantation.

He highlighted the first kidney transplant in Chhattisgarh, a reported success rate of more than 95 per cent in kidney transplantation, corneal transplantation and ear transplantation as significant milestones.

He said the approval of a heart transplant programme was another important achievement, reflecting the growing availability of advanced medical care in the region.

Balanced development key to Viksit Bharat

Radhakrishnan stressed the importance of balanced development for achieving the national vision of Viksit Bharat.

He said the vision could become a reality only when every state, district and village progresses.

The Vice President also underlined the importance of access to higher education and pointed to the expansion of higher education over the past 12 years.

He highlighted the increase in female enrolment in higher education, which rose from 1.57 crore in 2014-15 to 2.24 crore in 2023-24, representing a 42.2 per cent increase.

At the AIIMS Raipur convocation, 376 women and 313 men received degrees.

Vice President urges graduates to reject drugs

Addressing the young graduates, Radhakrishnan urged them to firmly say no to drugs and contribute to building an India where technology reaches all citizens and every young Indian can aspire to a better future.

“May your knowledge provide health, your research bring innovation and your service inspire,” he said.

He wished AIIMS Raipur continued success in clinical excellence, scientific innovation, public health and compassionate service, and expressed hope that Chhattisgarh’s transformation would become an important chapter in the journey towards Viksit Bharat by 2047.

The Vice President also presented gold medals and certificates to meritorious students.

Chhattisgarh Governor Ramen Deka, Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare and Chemicals and Fertilizers Anupriya Patel, Chhattisgarh Health and Family Welfare and Medical Education Minister Shyam Bihari Jaiswal, Raipur MP Brijmohan Agrawal and senior AIIMS Raipur officials were also present.

The political controversy over Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s reference to “dimagi Naxals” intensified after Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju sought to explain who the term was meant to describe.

Rijiju, in a post on X, said the expression was not aimed at Opposition leaders as a group and outlined three categories of people whom he said could fall under the description.

According to Rijiju, the term refers to people who support Maoists while rejecting the Constitution, those who back separatists and support Article 370, and individuals who advocate separating the Northeast from the rest of India through the Siliguri Corridor.

What Did PM Modi Say?

PM Modi used the expression during his Independence Day address, saying India had successfully weakened armed Naxalism but warning that its ideological influence could continue to pose a challenge.

The Prime Minister said people with a Maoist mindset had established themselves in positions of influence, including advisory roles connected with government institutions.

Modi also recalled the impact of decades of Naxal violence, saying the movement had damaged the lives and aspirations of young people and affected families across several parts of the country.

He said such ideological networks could seek opportunities to create violence and disorder and called for them to be identified and isolated.

Rijiju Defines ‘Dimagi Naxal’

Rijiju later provided a more detailed explanation of the expression.

The first category, according to the minister, consists of people who support Maoists while rejecting the Indian Constitution.

The second category includes people who support separatists and favour Article 370. The constitutional provision had provided special status to Jammu and Kashmir until the Centre's 2019 decision to remove its operative provisions and reorganise the former state into the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

The third category identified by Rijiju concerns those who allegedly seek to separate India's northeastern region from the rest of the country through the Siliguri Corridor.

Why Siliguri Corridor Matters

The Siliguri Corridor, popularly known as the “Chicken's Neck”, is a narrow stretch of territory in West Bengal that connects India's northeastern states with the rest of the country.

The corridor has significant strategic importance because of its geographical position and its role in maintaining connectivity with the Northeast.

Rijiju also shared a video featuring jailed activist Sharjeel Imam discussing the possibility of cutting off Assam and other northeastern areas through the Siliguri Corridor.

Opposition Pushes Back

Rijiju's clarification came amid criticism from Opposition leaders who questioned the Prime Minister's use of the term.

Congress leader and former Union minister P Chidambaram responded to the controversy by saying he was “proud” to be called a “dimagi Naxal”.

Rijiju criticised Chidambaram's response, calling it unfortunate and damaging. He reiterated that Modi had not described Opposition leaders collectively as “dimagi Naxals”.

The exchange has added another layer to the political debate over the government's use of labels linked to Maoism, separatism and national security.

Article 370 Reference Draws Attention

By including support for Article 370 in his explanation, Rijiju's definition extends the term beyond the traditional context of Maoist insurgency.

Article 370 had provided Jammu and Kashmir with special constitutional provisions. The Centre's 2019 decision effectively ended the region's special status and divided the former state into two Union Territories.

The issue remains politically sensitive, with the government's position on national integration continuing to differ sharply from that of several Opposition parties.

Government- Opposition Divide

The controversy reflects a broader disagreement over how political dissent and national security concerns should be discussed.

The government has framed the issue around Maoist ideology, separatism and territorial integrity, while Opposition leaders have questioned whether such terminology risks being applied too broadly to critics of the government.

Rijiju's clarification appears aimed at narrowing the meaning of “dimagi Naxal” to specific ideological and separatist positions rather than ordinary political disagreement.

The political debate is expected to continue, particularly as both the government and Opposition seek to present their positions in the context of constitutional values, national security and freedom of political expression.

Senior Congress leader P. Chidambaram on Sunday responded sharply to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Independence Day remarks on “ideological” or “intellectual Naxals”, saying, “I am proud to be a dimagi Naxal.”

Chidambaram’s remarks came a day after PM Modi, during his Independence Day address from the Red Fort on August 15, warned against people with Maoist ideology whom he accused of having established themselves within the system and influencing government policies.

Modi Warns Against ‘Ideological Naxals’

Addressing the nation on the occasion of India’s 80th Independence Day, PM Modi said armed Naxalism had been largely eliminated from the country’s forests but warned that ideological supporters of the movement could continue to pose a challenge.

The Prime Minister said people with Maoist thinking had, over the years, found positions within corridors of power, including as advisers on government committees, and had influenced policy decisions.

Modi urged citizens to remain vigilant and said such individuals should be identified and isolated.

PM Highlights Naxalism’s Impact

Modi also spoke about the impact of decades of Naxal and Maoist violence on communities and security personnel.

He said Naxalism had once controlled large parts of India and kept a significant population under the threat of violence. According to the Prime Minister, more than 3,500 police and security personnel were killed during the conflict.

He said the movement had damaged the lives and aspirations of lakhs of young people and caused severe losses to families across affected regions.

Chidambaram Hits Back

Responding to the Prime Minister’s comments, Chidambaram used the term “dimagi Naxal” — broadly referring to an ideological or intellectual supporter of Naxalism — in a pointed response.

His remark is likely to intensify the political debate over the government’s characterization of Maoist ideology and criticism of policies associated with the Left.

The Congress leader’s response also comes amid continuing political disagreements between the ruling BJP and the opposition over national security, internal security and the government’s approach towards Maoist-affected regions.

Modi Says Naxalism Has Declined

In his Independence Day address, Modi credited his government’s policies since 2014 with making the elimination of Naxalism a major priority.

He said areas that once witnessed frequent violence and armed activity were now seeing development, greater public confidence and government outreach.

The Prime Minister described the decline of armed Naxalism as a significant achievement and said regions once affected by violence were increasingly associated with development and the national flag.

Political Debate Continues

Chidambaram’s response has brought the issue of “ideological Naxalism” back into the centre of the political debate. While the government maintains that Maoist ideology remains a potential threat even as armed violence declines, opposition leaders have frequently questioned the broad use of such labels against critics and intellectuals.

The exchange highlights the continuing political divide over how the country should address the legacy of Naxalism, security challenges and ideological dissent.

Her speech ranged from Operation Sindoor and the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty to public-examination reforms, digital payments, women’s achievements and the protection of natural resources. Here are the 10 biggest takeaways.

1. India’s economy amid global instability

The President said India continues to be the fastest-growing major economy despite warfare and instability in several parts of the world. Citing economic projections, she said India’s growth rate was expected to be more than twice the global average.

2. Self-reliance as an economic and security strategy

She presented Atmanirbhar Bharat as more than an industrial programme, arguing that domestic capability strengthens both economic progress and national security. The message assumes added importance at a time of tariff disputes, supply-chain disruption and conflict-driven pressure on fuel and commodity prices.

3. Operation Sindoor sent a message beyond the battlefield

President Murmu described Operation Sindoor as a demonstration of the precision and capability of India’s armed forces. She said the operation conveyed that terrorists and those supporting them would face consequences regardless of where they attempted to hide.

4. Indus Waters Treaty suspension defended

The President defended the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan, describing it as a decisive step taken in the national interest and particularly in the interest of Indian farmers. The reference was significant because Pakistan’s leadership had again criticised India’s water policy earlier in the day.

5. Naxalism and the transformation of affected regions

She highlighted the drive to make India free of Naxalism as a major national achievement, saying areas that had lived under the shadow of violence for decades were now witnessing renewed confidence and enthusiasm. The message has particular resonance in Chhattisgarh and parts of Madhya Pradesh.

6. Public examinations must become trustworthy

Calling students the architects of India’s future, President Murmu stressed the need to protect the integrity of public examinations. She said reforms were aimed at stopping unfair practices and making examinations more transparent, secure and credible for young people.

7. Welfare numbers placed at the centre of the address

The President cited the government’s estimates that more than 25 crore people had moved out of poverty. She also referred to nearly 59 crore Jan Dhan account holders, more than 32 crore of them women; free food support for over 80 crore people; and health coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh for around 60 crore beneficiaries under Ayushman Bharat.

8. India’s digital infrastructure as a global strength

She said India had created the world’s largest digital public infrastructure and accounted for more than half of global real-time digital transactions. Technology, she argued, had also made the delivery of welfare benefits more transparent.

9. Women are breaking barriers

President Murmu pointed to women’s growing participation across education, agriculture, defence and sport - from Drone Didis to the Air Force’s first woman Fighter Combat Leader. She also noted that women won eight of India’s 13 gold medals at the recently concluded Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

10. Development must not consume the future

Her concluding message linked development with environmental responsibility. Future generations, she said, have an equal right to natural resources, and present-day decisions must not diminish that inheritance.

The larger political message

The address sought to present a single national narrative: security without hesitation, growth rooted in self-reliance, opportunity protected by fair institutions and development that reaches the most vulnerable. President Murmu closed with the Vedic expression ‘Vayam Rashtre Jagriyam’ - a call to remain alert and ready in the service of the nation.

The debate over India's long-running Maoist insurgency resurfaced on Monday after Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that Naxalism is "counting its last breaths" and credited the NDA government's development-driven approach for weakening the insurgency. Speaking at a media event in New Delhi, Modi sharply criticized the Congress, alleging that leaders who now frequently invoke the Constitution had remained silent when large parts of the country were grappling with Maoist violence. His remarks come amid continued political sparring over governance, internal security and development in tribal regions. The Prime Minister said the government's "Nation First" approach has combined security operations with welfare initiatives, infrastructure development and improved governance to reduce the influence of Left-Wing Extremism. The comments have once again brought national attention to a movement that was once considered India's biggest internal security challenge.

According to the Prime Minister, previous governments largely treated Naxal-affected regions as permanently backward areas, while the NDA focused on integrating them into the mainstream through roads, education, healthcare, digital connectivity and employment opportunities.

Modi did not directly name Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, but his remarks were widely seen as a reference to Gandhi's practice of carrying a copy of the Constitution during public events and political campaigns.

Focus on Development

During his address, Modi highlighted several flagship initiatives, including the Swachh Bharat Mission, Make in India and the promotion of local products. He said these programs were designed around the principle of putting national interests first.

The Prime Minister also pointed to the Aspirational Districts and Aspirational Blocks programmes, claiming that more than 100 districts and over 500 blocks previously categorized as backward regions have witnessed measurable improvements in governance and development indicators.

Officials have frequently argued that better infrastructure and public services in tribal and remote areas have reduced the appeal of extremist groups and strengthened state presence.

Security and Governance

The Prime Minister's comments echoed earlier statements made by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. During the Budget Session of Parliament in March, Shah stated that India had effectively become free from Naxal influence and reiterated the government's commitment to eliminating the remaining pockets of Left-Wing Extremism.

According to government data and security assessments, the geographical spread of Maoist activity has declined significantly over the past decade. Areas once considered strongholds of insurgent groups have seen increased security deployment alongside development projects.

However, security experts note that while violence has reduced substantially, isolated incidents and operational challenges remain in some forested regions of central India.

Background of the Naxalite Movement

The Naxalite movement began in 1967 in Naxalbari, a village in West Bengal's Darjeeling district. Over time, it expanded across several states, creating what became known as the "Red Corridor."

At its peak during the early 2000s, the insurgency affected large parts of central and eastern India and posed a significant challenge to internal security. Successive governments adopted a mix of security operations and welfare measures to address the issue.

Analysts say the current political debate reflects broader questions about how development, governance and security policies should be balanced in historically marginalized tribal regions.

As the government continues to emphasize both development and counter-insurgency measures, the future trajectory of Left-Wing Extremism remains an important issue in India's national security and governance agenda. The latest remarks by the Prime Minister are likely to keep the discussion at the center of political and policy debates in the coming months.

In a significant operation, security forces in Sukma district of Chhattisgarh have recovered a hidden cache of weapons, ammunition and explosive materials in the forested and hilly terrain of Kummadong under Kistaram area. The Sukma Naxal arms dump recovery was carried out during a routine search and area domination operation conducted by police teams.

According to officials, the operation was launched after inputs were received from surrendered Naxals, who informed security agencies about the presence of concealed arms in the forest region. Acting on the intelligence, a joint team of security personnel moved into the area and launched a detailed search operation.

During the operation, the team successfully traced a suspected location where Naxals had reportedly hidden weapons and explosive material for future use.

Search Operation Details

The search operation was conducted in difficult jungle and hilly terrain, where security forces carefully examined suspected hideouts. After hours of scanning the area, the team identified a concealed dump site.

Officials confirmed that the recovered material was securely seized following standard operational procedures. The Sukma Naxal arms dump recovery is being seen as a crucial success in ongoing anti-Naxal efforts in the region.

Authorities believe that the hidden stockpile was intended for future attacks against security forces or to support Naxal activities in the region.

Recovered Weapons and Materials

The seized cache includes one INSAS rifle along with a large quantity of ammunition. Security forces recovered 49 INSAS cartridges, 12 SLR cartridges, 27 rounds of .303 ammunition, 16 rounds of 8 mm cartridges, 7 musket rounds, and 7 rounds of 12-bore ammunition.

In addition to firearms, the team also recovered two bundles of cordex wire measuring approximately 30 meters, three INSAS magazines, six wireless cells, one pouch, and a steel container.

Officials stated that the recovery indicates the continued attempt by Naxal groups to store resources in remote forest areas despite intensified security operations.

Role of Intelligence Inputs

Police sources confirmed that the operation was made possible due to crucial information provided by surrendered Naxals. These inputs helped security forces pinpoint the exact location of the hidden dump.

The Sukma Naxal arms dump recovery reflects the growing importance of intelligence-led operations in tackling Maoist activities in Bastar region. Authorities have been increasingly relying on surrendered cadres for actionable information.

Security Assessment

Officials believe that the recovered weapons and explosives were stored with the intent to execute future violent incidents or target security personnel. However, timely action by forces prevented any such possible threat.

Security agencies have intensified surveillance and search operations in surrounding forest areas to ensure no additional caches remain undiscovered.

Amit Shah in Bastar: Naxalism "Eliminated", Development War Room Begins

In a high-stakes political push weeks after declaring the region free from Left-wing extremism, Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced a massive infrastructure overhaul for Bastar on Monday, vowing to transform the once-insurgency-hit district into the country’s most advanced division.

Speaking after the 26th meeting of the Central Regional Council in Jagdalpur, Shah confirmed that the target to wipe out Naxalism was achieved before the March 31, 2026, deadline. He immediately pivoted to a reconstruction agenda, outlining plans for a large dairy network, super specialty hospitals, and model schools.

"Gone are the days of fear," Shah told reporters. He added that the administration will now focus on economic rehabilitation. Approximately one-third of the 70 former security camps in the Bastar region will be converted into ‘Veer Shahid Gundadhur Seva Deras’—service centers named after the tribal icon.

Dairy Push and Health Promise

The Home Minister detailed a specific plan to uplift local tribal women, who have historically been cut off from mainstream markets.

"We will provide every tribal woman with one cow and one buffalo," Shah said, setting a tight six-month deadline to establish a functional dairy network across the dense forests of Bastar. Officials say the plan is to integrate the region into the national milk grid, creating a steady cash flow for families who previously relied on forest produce alone.

Political Fireworks: Baghel vs. Shah

While the Home Minister spoke of development, the political temperature in the capital remained high. Shah took a sharp dig at the previous Congress government, alleging a lack of cooperation during the final phase of the anti-Naxal operations.

"During the Bhupesh Baghel government, we did not get the cooperation needed for elimination," Shah claimed.

The former Chief Minister was quick to retaliate. Speaking to reporters in Raipur, Baghel dismissed the claims as hollow. "There is no bigger liar than Amit Shah. They are taking credit for the work we did. The records are there for everyone to see," Baghel said, accusing the Centre of political tourism.

Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai jumped into the fray, defending the administration. "Congress leaders have mastered the art of lying. Bhupesh Baghel has a PhD in falsehoods," Sai countered, backing the Union Minister’s timeline.

Congress Alleges "Mineral Heist"

Away from the official press conference, protests marked the fringes of the high-security event. Chhattisgarh Congress Chief Deepak Baij attempted to lead a delegation to meet Shah but was stopped by the administration.

Baij dismissed the entire council meeting as a "formality" hiding a more sinister agenda. "They are not here for development. They are here to sell Bastar's mineral wealth," Baij alleged. He claimed the real planning involved transferring rights to industrialists for exploiting the region’s rich deposits, traditionally protected by the "Jal, Jungle, Jameen" (Water, Forest, Land) ethos.

In a pointed remark, Baij questioned the logistics of the meeting. "The PM calls for saving fuel and working from home, but his Ministers and four CMs fly down here for a photo-op. Everything could have been done virtually," he said.

High-Profile Attendees

The Jagdalpur meeting saw the attendance of four Chief Ministers, indicating the strategic importance of the region. Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath, Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav, and Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami joined CM Sai for the discussions.

Sources said the closed-door sessions also focused on strict measures to control crime rates, specifically regarding crimes against women, across the four states.

The Road Ahead

Despite the political sparring, the bureaucratic machinery has been put on notice. With the security grid now relaxed, officials in Bastar told this reporter that land acquisition for the proposed super-specialty hospital is already under review.

As the sun set over the Jagdalpur skyline—dominated by massive hoardings of PM Modi, Amit Shah, and CM Sai—the challenge remains whether the government can deliver the "4-5 year compensation for 50 years of loss," a promise Shah made during an earlier visit to Netanar.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday chaired the 26th meeting of the Central Zonal Council in Jagdalpur during the second day of his Bastar visit. The high-level meeting marked the first time such a major regional council gathering was held in Bastar, a region that remained affected by Maoist violence for decades.

Chief Ministers of Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand participated in the meeting along with senior officials from the Centre and state governments. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath arrived in Jagdalpur on Tuesday morning, while the Chief Ministers of Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Uttarakhand had reached the city on Monday night. Security arrangements across Jagdalpur were significantly intensified ahead of the meeting as senior leaders and administrative officials gathered in the Bastar region. The event quickly became part of the Latest News Today developments because of its political and strategic significance.

Bastar Gets Spotlight

The Centre’s decision to organise the Central Zonal Council meeting in Bastar is being viewed as an attempt to project the region’s changing image. Bastar had long remained in national headlines due to Maoist violence, security operations and administrative challenges. Government officials indicated that the meeting was intended to send a strong message that Bastar is now moving towards development, governance and stability. The presence of four Chief Ministers and senior Union ministers in the region is being projected as proof of improving security conditions. Officials said areas that once witnessed restricted political movement due to security threats are now hosting high-profile administrative gatherings. According to government representatives, sustained anti-Maoist operations and development initiatives have contributed to changes on the ground.

Focus On Security

The Home Ministry has repeatedly stated that the Centre is committed to eliminating Maoist influence from affected regions. Over the past several months, security operations in Bastar division have intensified, leading to the arrest and killing of several Maoist commanders. Government sources claimed that Bastar was declared free from Maoist influence on March 31, 2026, following coordinated operations by central and state security agencies. Officials said the meeting would also review internal security cooperation and inter-state coordination in previously affected districts. The Centre is expected to focus on strengthening intelligence sharing, road connectivity and administrative expansion in tribal areas. Security cooperation between neighbouring states remained one of the key agenda points discussed during the council meeting.

Key Issues Discussed

Apart from security, the Central Zonal Council meeting also focused on law and order, transport connectivity, electricity distribution, water resources and border-related coordination between states. Sources indicated that special attention was given to improving coordination among states on issues affecting tribal and remote regions. Officials also discussed infrastructure projects and welfare schemes aimed at accelerating economic development in central India.

Government representatives believe that stronger administrative coordination can help improve public services in districts that previously faced governance challenges due to insurgency-related activities. The meeting is also being seen as part of broader Government Updates linked to internal security and tribal development policies.

Shah’s Strong Remarks

During the first day of his Bastar visit on Monday, Amit Shah addressed local gatherings and praised security personnel for their role in reducing Maoist influence in the region. He said the losses suffered by Bastar over the last 50 years would be compensated through accelerated development over the next four to five years.

The Home Minister stated that the Centre’s commitment to Bastar’s development would remain incomplete until the region witnessed full economic and social transformation. He also referred to tribal freedom fighter Gundadhur and highlighted Bastar’s contribution to the freedom struggle against British rule. Shah recalled earlier periods when Maoist violence disrupted education, welfare schemes and normal life in tribal districts. According to him, strong action by security agencies has weakened Maoist networks and improved public confidence in the administration. He further announced plans to develop the land associated with Gundadhur as an important cultural and historical destination.

Development Narrative Ahead

Political observers believe the Jagdalpur meeting holds significance beyond routine administrative coordination. The Centre appears keen to position Bastar as a symbol of development and governance success after years of insurgency-related challenges. Officials said future plans for Bastar include infrastructure expansion, tourism development, improved connectivity and increased investment in tribal welfare schemes. The government is also expected to continue highlighting security gains in the region as part of its broader political narrative.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday chaired the 26th meeting of the Central Zonal Council in Jagdalpur, marking the first time that such a high-level inter-state meeting has been organised in Bastar. The meeting brought together the Chief Ministers of Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, along with senior administrative and security officials. The event has drawn national attention as the Centre attempts to showcase Bastar’s changing image from a Maoist-affected region to a developing administrative hub.

The high-profile gathering is being viewed as both an administrative exercise and a political message. For decades, Bastar remained associated with Naxal violence, security concerns and underdevelopment. The decision to hold the council meeting in Jagdalpur is being seen as an effort by the government to highlight improved security conditions and increasing state presence in the region. Officials said the meeting reflects growing confidence in the changing ground situation across Bastar division.

Focus On Security

Internal security and inter-state coordination remained among the key focus areas during the meeting. According to officials, discussions included law and order, intelligence sharing, border coordination and strategies to tackle Left Wing Extremism in affected regions. Bastar has historically been one of the worst-affected areas in the country due to Maoist violence, making the security aspect central to the discussions.

The Union Home Ministry has repeatedly stated that the government is committed to eliminating Naxalism through a combination of security operations and development initiatives. Over the past several months, security forces have intensified anti-Naxal operations in Bastar and nearby areas. Several senior Maoist leaders have reportedly been killed or arrested during these operations, while many cadres have surrendered before authorities. Government officials indicated that improved coordination between central forces and state police agencies has helped reduce Maoist influence in several districts. The Centre has also increased infrastructure support and administrative outreach in remote tribal regions to strengthen governance at the grassroots level.

Bastar’s Changing Image

The Jagdalpur meeting is also being projected as part of a broader effort to change Bastar’s national image. For years, the region remained in headlines due to violence, attacks on security personnel and disruption of development activities. The government now wants to position Bastar as a centre for tourism, investment and administrative growth.

Authorities believe that organising such a large-scale government event in the region sends a strong signal about improved conditions on the ground. Senior officials and political leaders travelling to Jagdalpur for the meeting are being seen as indicators of increasing confidence in the security environment. Local administration officials also undertook extensive preparations ahead of the event. Security arrangements were tightened across Jagdalpur, while roads, public spaces and meeting venues were upgraded in anticipation of the high-profile visit. Officials said the administration wanted to ensure that the event reflected the changing realities of Bastar.

Development Agenda Ahead

Apart from security, the Central Zonal Council meeting also focused on development-related issues involving participating states. Discussions reportedly covered transport connectivity, water sharing, electricity coordination and public welfare delivery. Sources indicated that tribal development and infrastructure expansion remained important agenda points during the meeting.

Officials stressed the need for better road networks, healthcare facilities, digital connectivity and educational institutions in remote districts. The Centre believes that sustained development is essential to ensure long-term peace and stability in regions previously affected by extremism. Government representatives also highlighted ongoing welfare schemes aimed at improving the living conditions of tribal communities. According to officials, the administration plans to increase investment in public services and economic activities across Bastar in the coming years.

Shah’s Strong Remarks

During the first day of his Bastar visit, Amit Shah addressed public gatherings and interacted with local residents and officials. He stated that the region had suffered losses for nearly five decades due to violence and instability, and the government was now determined to accelerate development in the area.

The Home Minister said Bastar’s progress remains an important part of the Centre’s broader development vision. He also referred to tribal freedom fighter Gundadhur and highlighted Bastar’s historical role in resistance against British rule. According to Shah, the government intends to develop the region associated with Gundadhur as a major cultural and historical destination.

Shah also recalled earlier years when schools were destroyed, welfare programmes disrupted and security personnel frequently targeted by Maoist groups. He stated that the government had taken decisive steps to weaken Maoist networks and restore administrative control in affected regions.

Political Significance Grows

Political observers believe the Jagdalpur meeting carries significant political importance beyond governance. The Centre has increasingly linked anti-Naxal operations with development narratives, presenting improved security as a foundation for economic and social progress. The participation of four Chief Ministers in the meeting reinforced the message of cooperative federalism and coordinated governance.

The event also comes at a time when the government is attempting to strengthen its outreach in tribal and rural regions. By holding the meeting in Bastar, the Centre appears keen to demonstrate that regions once considered inaccessible are now becoming part of mainstream administrative and development activities. Analysts said the meeting could influence future policy decisions related to security, infrastructure and tribal welfare in central India. The government is expected to continue focusing on integrated development strategies for areas previously affected by insurgency.

Officials expect more announcements related to infrastructure, tourism and welfare initiatives following the conclusion of the meeting. The Centre may also expand development projects in Bastar to further strengthen administrative presence and economic opportunities in tribal areas.

India Nearly Naxal-Free, Says Amit Shah In Parliament

Union Home Minister Amit Shah declared in Lok Sabha on Monday that India has achieved its March 31, 2026 deadline to become almost Naxal-free, while accusing the previous Congress government in Chhattisgarh of shielding Maoists. The statement drew sharp responses from former chief minister Bhupesh Baghel, who termed the allegations a “blatant lie.”

Deadline Achieved

Shah informed the House that the government’s three-year target to eliminate left-wing extremism now stands fulfilled. “With full confidence, we can say that Naxalism has been eradicated from the country,” he said during a nearly 90-minute address. Official data presented by the Home Minister showed that 706 Naxals have been killed in the last three years, while over 4,800 cadres have surrendered under rehabilitation programmes.

Shah’s Accusations

The Home Minister specifically targeted the previous Congress administration in Chhattisgarh for delaying anti-Naxal operations. He alleged that between 2019 and 2023, the state government deliberately protected Maoists, preventing security forces from acting on intelligence inputs. “The Congress government in Chhattisgarh kept Naxals safe,” Shah asserted, claiming that operations gained momentum only after the Bharatiya Janata Party came to power in the state in December 2023.

Ask Bhupesh Baghel’

In a dramatic exchange, Shah dared the opposition to demand proof. “Ask Bhupesh Baghel – should I present the evidence here? Say yes, or you will be trapped,” he said, referring to three specific dates – August 20, 2019, August 24, 2024, and March 31, 2026 – when key security meetings were held. He added that delays occurred because Chhattisgarh then had a Congress government.

Congress Government Blamed

Shah also criticised the Congress for what he called 60 years of neglect. “Seventy years – 60 were under Congress rule. Why didn’t you develop these areas?” he asked. He recalled former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s admission that Maoists were India’s biggest internal security threat. Shah further rejected comparisons between Naxals and freedom fighters Bhagat Singh or Birsa Munda, calling it “folly” to equate Constitution-violating armed insurgents with those who fought the British.

Baghel’s Sharp Rebuttal

Responding swiftly on social media, former Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel dismissed Shah’s claims as “absolutely false.” He challenged the Centre to make public any evidence of his government shielding Maoists. “If there were objections or proof, why was it not revealed earlier?” Baghel asked. He maintained that his administration had continuously conducted operations, setting up security camps deep in Bastar’s remote areas – camps he said made today’s successes possible.

Political Row Intensifies

Baghel accused the Home Minister of politicising a sensitive national security issue. “My party has lost senior leaders to Naxal violence. This should not be about political mudslinging,” he said, urging a focus on facts rather than allegations. The Congress has demanded that Shah produce documented proof of his claims in Parliament.

What Next

Officials indicate that security forces will now focus on the two remaining Naxal-affected districts to achieve complete eradication. The government plans to intensify development work in Bastar, including schools, health centres and ration shops in every village. As per latest updates, rehabilitation of surrendered Maoists will continue, while operations against holdout cadres will persist. The political debate over the Congress’s role is likely to continue, with Baghel insisting that his government’s contribution to anti-Naxal efforts cannot be erased.