Commitment to Development and Eradication of Naxalism
Shri Shah assured, on behalf of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, that by March 31, 2026, Naxalites would no longer impede Bastar’s development or the rights of its people. He appealed to the local community to encourage misled youth to surrender and integrate into mainstream society. Highlighting the effectiveness of Chhattisgarh’s surrender policy, he noted that over 500 individuals had surrendered in the past month alone. Additionally, villages completely free of Naxal influence would receive ₹1 crore from the state government for development initiatives.
Both the Central and Chhattisgarh governments remain committed to investing in the region. Over the last decade, Prime Minister Modi has allocated approximately ₹4.40 lakh crore to support Chhattisgarh’s growth through industrialization, educational infrastructure, healthcare expansion, and small-scale enterprises.
Preserving Tribal Culture and Heritage
The Home Minister highlighted Bastar’s cultural richness, including the Bastar Olympics, Pandum festival, tribal cuisine, attire, arts, and musical instruments. He emphasized Prime Minister Modi’s resolve to preserve India’s cultural heritage for future generations. Shri Shah also praised the Muria Darbar, a traditional tribal assembly dating back to 1874, as a global heritage site exemplifying active participation, public dialogue, and tribal justice.
The Rath Yatra of Maa Danteshwari, originating in the 14th century, remains a symbol of cultural awakening and unity across Bastar. According to Shri Shah, the festival and Muria Darbar continue to bind the tribal communities together, reinforcing social cohesion and identity.
Swadeshi and Economic Empowerment
Shri Shah linked cultural pride with economic self-reliance, urging citizens to embrace Swadeshi. He stressed that widespread adoption of indigenous products would propel India to global economic leadership. Over 300 Swadeshi companies are participating in the Bastar Dussehra Festival, and the Swadeshi Walkathon has become a significant medium to promote the movement nationwide.
Additionally, the Modi government’s recent GST exemptions on 395 essential items, including most food and daily-use products, were highlighted as measures to benefit mothers, sisters, and households across Chhattisgarh and India.
Honoring Tribal Contributions
The Home Minister celebrated tribal achievements, noting that Smt. Draupadi Murmu’s election as President is a matter of national pride. He mentioned the government’s initiatives like the Mahtari Vandan Yojana distributing ₹607 crore to 70 lakh mothers, the Chief Minister Rural Bus Scheme covering 250 villages, and the provision of over 15,000 PM Awas houses for surrendered Naxal families.
Shri Shah concluded by affirming the government’s unwavering commitment to preserving tribal culture, promoting development, and ensuring security, stating that any attempt to disrupt Bastar’s peace would be met with decisive action by the armed forces and police.
