Raipur (Chhattisgarh) [India], November 10 (HBTV): Prime Minister Narendra Modi has asserted that the ‘red flag’ representing Maoist dominance in several districts of India has now been replaced by the Tiranga, citing the recent large-scale surrender of Naxalites.
‘They (Naxalites) have given up arms and accepted the Constitution. The conditions have changed. In Bijapur’s Chikkapali village, electricity has reached after seven decades. In a village of Abujhmarh, a school is being built for the first time since independence. Tiranga has replaced the red flag,’ PM Modi said while addressing a public rally at the Chhattisgarh Rajat Mahotsav in Atal Nagar-Nava Raipur.
Expressing solidarity, the Prime Minister voiced his pain over the sufferings endured by the Adivasi community in Chhattisgarh due to Naxalism. He criticised those who, while claiming to uphold the Constitution and advocate for social justice, allegedly exploited the Adivasi population for political gain.
‘The Adivasi society in Chhattisgarh has contributed immensely to the development of the country. I am glad that Chhattisgarh is freeing itself from the clutches of Naxalism and Maoist terrorism. The sufferings you endured for the last 55 years due to Naxalism are painful. Those who pretend to follow the Constitution, those who cry crocodile tears in the name of social justice, they did injustice to you for their own political benefit,’ he said.
PM Modi further stated that Maoist violence had hindered infrastructure and public service development for decades, leaving tribal regions deprived of basic amenities such as education and healthcare.
‘Because of Maoism, for a long time, the Adivasi areas in Chhattisgarh didn’t witness road infrastructure development. No education or hospital was there. The teachers and doctors were killed. For decades, those who ruled left you to fend for yourself while they sat in AC rooms enjoying their life. However, Modi couldn’t let Adivasi brothers destroy themselves in this game of violence,’ the Prime Minister added.
He highlighted that the number of districts under Maoist control had declined sharply from 150 over a decade ago to just three today, attributing this change to the government’s sustained security operations and development initiatives.
‘Today, the results can be seen. Eleven years ago, India’s 150 districts were under Maoist control. Of them, only three districts are under their control. I guarantee that the day is not far when India and Chhattisgarh will be rid of Maoism. Those who chose violence are surrendering. Over 20 Naxals returned to the mainstream a few days ago in Kanker. On October 17, 200 Naxals surrendered in Bastar. Dozens of them have given up arms across the country in the recent past,’ he said.
Earlier in October 2025, the Union Home Ministry reported that the number of Left-Wing Extremism (LWE)-affected districts had reduced to 11 from 18 earlier this year. The three districts still most affected are all in Chhattisgarh — Bijapur, Sukma, and Narayanpur.
In 2013, India had 126 LWE-affected districts, but following consistent counter-insurgency and rehabilitation efforts, the number was brought down to 18 by April 2025.
PM Modi expressed confidence that India is on the verge of being entirely free from Maoist terror by March 31, 2026, crediting a multi-pronged approach combining security action, infrastructure expansion, and rehabilitation programmes.
‘In Bastar, there is no fear but celebration. You can imagine how much we would progress after Naxalism is eradicated,’ he concluded.
(ANI)