“What is there to talk? Lay down arms, join development”: Amit Shah

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday ruled out talks with Naxals, saying they must lay down arms and accept the government's "lucrative surrender and rehabilitation policy."

Addressing the Bastar Dussehra Lokotsav and Swadeshi Mela in Jagdalpur, the headquarters of Chhattisgarh's Bastar district, Shah said March 31, 2026, has been set as the deadline to eliminate Naxalism from the region.

“Some people have called for talks with Naxals. Let me make it clear: both the Chhattisgarh and Central governments are committed to development across Bastar and all Naxal-affected areas. What is there to talk about? A lucrative surrender-and-rehabilitation policy has been put in place. Come forward and lay down your weapons,” he said.

Shah said he visited the renowned Maa Danteshwari Temple and prayed for the strength of security forces to free the entire Bastar region from “red terror” by March next year. He warned that security forces will respond decisively to those disrupting Bastar's peace with weapons.

“Some people in Delhi used to spread misinformation that Naxalism was born as a fight for development. I have come to tell my tribal brothers that the entire Bastar region has been deprived of development. The root cause of this is Naxalism,” he said.

Shah highlighted that while electricity, drinking water, roads, toilets in every house, health insurance of up to ₹5 lakh, and 5 kg free rice have reached villages across India, Bastar has lagged behind.

“The Narendra Modi government has allocated more than ₹4 lakh crore to Chhattisgarh for development works over 10 years. On behalf of the Prime Minister, I assure you that after March 31, 2026, Naxalites will not be able to stop your development or rights,” he said.

The Union minister urged locals to convince those misled by Naxalism to shun violence and join the mainstream. He also noted that the BJP government has launched various schemes in honour of tribals in the state.

Shah described the 75-day-long Dussehra festival as one of the world's longest and culturally significant festivals, celebrating the region's tribal heritage. Chhattisgarh celebrates the Bastar Dussehra, a unique and culturally rich festival that spans 75 days, making it one of the longest festivals in the world. Unlike the traditional Dussehra celebrations across India, which commemorate Lord Rama's victory over Ravana, Bastar Dussehra honors Goddess Danteshwari, the revered deity of the region's tribal communities.