Amit Shah Declares Naxalism Nearly Eradicated in India

Union Home Minister Amit Shah declared in the Lok Sabha on March 30, 2026, that Naxalism has been almost eradicated from Chhattisgarh's Bastar region and that India has effectively become free of the Maoist threat, just one day before the government's self-imposed deadline for eliminating left-wing extremism.

Speaking during a debate on efforts to end left-wing extremism, Shah stated that the central structure and politburo of the Maoists have been nearly dismantled. He highlighted successes in security operations, noting that in states like Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Chhattisgarh, all members of state committees have either surrendered or been neutralized. In Telangana, no active members remain after surrenders and eliminations, while in Odisha, three remain active following one surrender. Shah said the formal completion of the process would be announced soon, adding, "Our goal was a Naxal-free India by March 31."

The minister credited the government's approach since 2014 under Prime Minister Narendra Modi with transforming affected areas. He pointed to initiatives in Bastar that established schools and ration shops in every village, along with primary and community...