CM Sai Calls Bastar Operation ‘Historic Turning Point’, Vows End to Maoism by 2026
Raipur
Declaring a decisive push against Maoist insurgency, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Friday described the recent anti-Maoist offensive in Bastar as the “biggest operation to date” and a “historic achievement” for the state. Speaking at the BSF camp in Basing, Orchha block, the CM lauded the elimination of 27 Maoists — including top commander Basavaraju — as a major blow to the Maoist movement and a morale booster for security forces.
Sai met with jawans of the District Reserve Guard (DRG), BSF, and District Force who participated in the May 21 joint operation across the hilly tri-junction of Narayanpur, Dantewada, and Bijapur. Applauding their courage and strategy, he applied tilak to their foreheads in a symbolic gesture of honour, stating, “The morale of our forces is higher than the toughest mountains. Bastar is on the path to lasting peace.”
He flagged off 50 motorbikes for increased patrolling in interior areas and reiterated the government’s unwavering resolve to uproot Maoism from the region by March 2026 — aligning with the national target set by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Expressing confidence in Bastar’s transformation, the CM said development schemes like Niyad Nellanar and PM Janman were rapidly connecting neglected, insurgency-hit areas to mainstream progress. “We are not just fighting guns with guns; we are replacing fear with development, darkness with opportunity,” Sai said.
Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma, who accompanied the CM, termed the operation a “landmark success” that has drawn national and international attention. “This victory marks the beginning of Bastar’s turnaround — from conflict to confidence, from terror to transformation,” he said.
During the visit, the jawans showcased a cache of weapons seized from Maoists, including BGL launchers, .303 rifles, INSAS rifles, AK-47s, and 9 mm carbines. The CM also handed out LED TVs and gift hampers to personnel, acknowledging their valor and contribution to restoring peace in the region.
