Raipur (Chhattisgarh) [India], April 22 (HBTV): Emphasising the importance of eradicating Naxalism for the overall progress of the state, Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to improve the lives of people in Naxal-affected regions.
Speaking to ANI, Sao stated that in the last 14 months, 380 Naxals have been killed in encounters, 1,200 arrested, and 1,100 have surrendered.
Sao claimed that Naxalism was nearly eradicated during former Chief Minister Dr Raman Singh’s tenure but alleged that it resurged after the Congress government came to power.
'Our governments have struggled for years against Naxalism. Surguja, including Bastar, was affected by Naxalism when our government was first formed in 2003. Due to our determination, we wiped out Naxalism from Surguja. Under Dr Raman Singh’s government, until 2018, Naxalism remained in very few parts. Then, the Congress government came and allowed Naxals to spread again,' he said.
'When our government was formed in 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah vowed to make Chhattisgarh and Bastar Naxal-free,' the Deputy CM added.
Highlighting the challenges posed by Naxalism in Bastar, Sao said, 'Bastar has challenging terrain that is difficult to reach. Our security personnel are pursuing Naxals in those areas. No changes have occurred in the lives of people in Bastar and Surguja due to Naxalism. The end of Naxalism is necessary for the development of the region. Our government is working towards finishing Naxalism in a planned manner.'
He reiterated Union Home Minister Amit Shah's assurance that Naxalism would be completely eradicated from the state by March 2026.
'Naxalism is still present in some areas of Bijapur, Sukma and Kanker. The way our soldiers are working, by the end of March 2026, armed Naxalism will be eradicated completely. We are not only working to finish Naxalism but also working towards bringing change in the lives of the people of the Bastar region,' he said.
Sao also highlighted the BJP government's commitment to uplifting the younger generation in Bastar.
'The younger generation of the Bastar region is talented. We organise the Bastar Olympics to offer a stage for their talent. We are continuously working towards bringing change in the lives of Bastar,' Sao said.
Calling the death of journalist Mukesh Chandrakar—allegedly murdered for his reporting on a road contractor—'unfortunate', Sao stated that the government acted immediately after the incident.
'As soon as I saw the news of the death of the young journalist, it was around December 25; I saw the news and formed an inquiry committee on the same day... The committee submitted its report. We also registered FIRs against our officials. The contract of the concerned contractor was nullified. We not only registered an FIR against our officials but also conducted departmental enquiries against them. Under the leadership of CM Vishnu Deo Sai, our government is working on a policy of zero tolerance against corruption. Immediate action was taken; there was no delay. Unfortunately, we lost a young journalist, but the actions taken by the government are in front of everyone,' he added.
Sao further said that the current government's focus is on boosting industrial growth and generating maximum employment.
'We will fulfil all the guarantees of the Modi government. In the new industrial policy, we have decided to give concessions to the companies as per the job opportunities they will create over the investment amount. Our focus is on employment generation. Our Chief Minister is holding an investment summit. Many MoUs have been signed with various companies. Industrial development of the state will happen along with employment generation,' Sao said.
(ANI)