Amit Shah urges Naxalites to surrender, promises development in Bastar

New Delhi, Apr 5: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah addressed the Bastar Pandum festival in Dantewada on Saturday, alongside Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai and Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma. Speaking to a large gathering of tribals, Shah made a strong appeal to Naxalites to lay down arms and join the mainstream, promising peace, and development in return.

“Violence has no place in Bastar anymore,” Shah said, adding that Bastar is now moving from fear to the future. “Where once bullets echoed, today machines are working. Roads, schools, and hospitals are coming up. This is the new face of Bastar.”

He said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is committed to the development of tribal areas, but peace is essential. “PM Modi wants to give everything to Bastar—roads, schools, hospitals, jobs—but this is only possible if there is peace.” Shah praised the contributions of tribal leader Maharaja Praveer Chandra Bhajdev, saying he gave his life for the forests, land, and rights of tribal people. “His spirit is blessing us today as Bastar moves forward on the path of development,” he said.

The Home Minister also announced plans to expand the Bastar Pandum festival, saying it will include tribal artists from across the country next year and will be promoted globally. This year, 47,000 artists from across the region took part, and the government has allocated Rs 5 crore to support the event. “Bastar’s art, music, culture, food, and dialects are the pride of India,” he said. “We want our youth to get modern education and succeed globally, but without forgetting their roots.”

He added that any village that ensures all Naxalites surrender will be declared “Naxal-free” and given a Rs 1 crore development fund. “Violence won’t bring change. If you want schools, hospitals, and jobs—put down the guns.”

Shah stated that 881 Naxalites surrendered in 2024, and 521 have already surrendered this year. He assured that those who surrender will be protected and given a chance to live a better life. “But those who choose violence will face strict action,” he warned. Referring to Prime Minister Modi’s initiatives, Shah said, “The previous governments only gave slogans like Garibi Hatao, but did nothing. PM Modi has built 4 crore homes, given 11 crore gas connections, built 12 crore toilets, and ensured tap water for 15 crore households. This is real change.”

He also highlighted the government’s efforts to honour tribal heroes like Veer Gundadhur and Bhagwan Birsa Munda, saying their stories are being brought to the forefront as part of Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh. Calling for unity and cultural pride, Shah said, “India’s strength lies in its diversity. We will compete with the world but also preserve our heritage. Bastar Pandum is just the beginning.” He appealed to local communities to help convince Naxalites to surrender and support education and development. “When someone from Sukma becomes a Sub-Inspector, from Bastar a Barrister, from Dantewada a Doctor, and from Kanker a Collector—that’s when true development happens.”