Maoists Brought Imported Ideology but Failed; Bastar Will Soon Join Mainstream, Says Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai

Raipur, November 2025:
As Chhattisgarh completes 25 years of its formation, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai says the state is witnessing a historic turnaround in regions once dominated by Maoists. He asserted that the Maoists attempted to impose an “imported ideology” on tribal communities but failed to gain the social acceptance they sought.

According to the Chief Minister, the steady fall in Naxal activity and a series of large-scale surrenders indicate that Bastar is on the verge of major transformation, moving toward full integration with the mainstream.

 “Maoist ideology never belonged to Bastar”

Sai emphasized that the Maoist presence since the 1980s brought a system that was neither rooted in tribal culture nor aligned with local aspirations.

• He stated that the Maoist movement tried to reshape social identity in tribal regions.
• With declining support on the ground and increasing pressure from security operations, many cadres have surrendered voluntarily.
• Sai expressed confidence that Bastar will soon see lasting peace, opening the door to accelerated development.

Government to Introduce Stricter Anti-Conversion Laws

Highlighting social concerns in the tribal belt, the Chief Minister described religious conversion as a “social evil that harms cultural identity.”

• Sai announced that the government will introduce tougher legal provisions to curb illegal conversions.
• The proposed amendments are expected to be tabled in the upcoming winter session of the Assembly.
• He said the aim is to ensure that tribal communities can preserve their heritage, customs, and traditional belief systems without external pressure.

Chhattisgarh at 25: Milestones and the Road Ahead

Reflecting on the state’s journey since it was carved out in 2000, Sai listed key priorities for the upcoming years:

• Strengthening security in vulnerable districts
• Boosting infrastructure in remote tribal regions
• Enhancing livelihood options through agriculture, forest produce, and skill development
• Expanding health and education access with new institutions in rural areas

He noted that the declining influence of Maoists is enabling the government to push development deeper into interior villages, many of which were inaccessible for decades.