Raipur
Addressing the concluding ceremony of Bastar Pandum, a festival organized to showcase the region’s rich tribal culture to the country and the world, Union Home Minister Amit Shah made a direct attack on Naxalism. He said, “Today, I have come seeking the blessings of Maa Danteshwari with a resolve that by the next Chaitra Navratri, red terror will be completely eradicated from Bastar, and the region will usher into an era of prosperity.”
Addressing a large gathering of tribals, Shah said that this year Bastar Pandum was celebrated as a festival of Bastar, but he had brought a special message from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “From next year onwards, under the same name, we will invite artists from every tribal district of the country. Not just that, we will elevate Bastar Pandum to an international level by bringing ambassadors from across the world based in Delhi to Bastar, and showcase our traditions, culture, and the art of tribal children on the global stage,” he said.
Shah informed that since March 12, the district administration and culture department have spent Rs 5 crore for the festival, making it the biggest cultural event in the region so far. “This festival will help preserve and promote local art, culture, folk traditions, crafts, festivals, cuisine, dialects, attire, ornaments, musical instruments, songs, and beverages in their original forms,” he said.
The Home Minister emphasized that the youth of Bastar must receive modern education and compete with their global counterparts. “Let them attain prosperity while staying rooted in their language, culture, and traditions. Bastar’s culture is not just Chhattisgarh’s pride, but a jewel in the crown of Indian heritage,” he asserted.
Inviting Chhattisgarh’s first tribal Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on stage, Shah announced that the government would now procure tendu leaves at Rs 5,500 per standard bag directly, removing middlemen from the process. “What used to be snatched away under fear of Naxals will now go directly into your bank accounts,” he said.
Shah appealed to Naxals to shun violence and join the mainstream. “You are our own. No one feels joy when a Naxalite is killed. But the region needs development. What couldn’t be achieved in 50 years, Prime Minister Modi wants to deliver in five—provided there is peace. Schools should function, mothers must get healthcare, tribal youth should not suffer from malnutrition, and every household must receive free 7 kg rice. Bastar needs hospitals at the tehsil level and full medical services at the district headquarters,” he said.
\Rs 1 Crore Incentive for Naxal-Free Villages
He announced that villages that succeed in getting Naxals to surrender and declare themselves Naxal-free would be rewarded with ₹1 crore. “Peace in Bastar is only possible when its people decide to free every village from Naxalism,” he said.
\Lay Down Arms, Join the Process of Development
“Those who claim that our youth are being killed are spreading misinformation. No one wants to kill anyone. No matter how involved you’ve been, lay down your weapons and return to the mainstream. The Centre and State governments will ensure your full rehabilitation,” Shah said. “You can no longer stall Bastar’s development by wielding guns. Join hands with us and become a part of progress.”
\Invites President Murmu for Next Bastar Pandum
Shah said it was after 75 years that a tribal leader became President. “Narendra Modi made the daughter of a poor tribal family from Odisha, Droupadi Murmu, the President of India. She now graces the Rashtrapati Bhavan. Next year, when we celebrate Bastar Pandum, I, along with Vishnu Deo Sai, would like to invite her to attend and grace the occasion.”
\Computer, Not Guns, Now Symbol of Progress
Shah said the dual-pronged strategy against Naxalism is bearing fruit. “Those who’ve realized that guns and grenades won’t bring development, but computers and pens will, have surrendered. In the fourth month of 2025 alone, 521 Naxals have surrendered. In 2024, the number was 881. I assure you, those who surrender will be reintegrated into the mainstream. But those who continue to pick up arms will be dealt with by our security forces. By March next year, the BJP government will free the nation from this red terror,” he declared.
