May eradicate Maoism before deadline: CM Sai

Maoism may be eradicated in India before the deadline of March 31, 2026 and former rebels who have surrendered will not be returning to the jungles because of robust rehabilitation programmes, Chhattisgarh chief minister Vishnu Deo Sai said on Thursday, underlining the government's resolve to end what was once the country’s biggest internal security challenge.

- HT Correspondent

Speaking in an online session at the 23rd Hindustan Times Leadership Summit, Sai also spoke about the development programmes initiated by his government, how the local administration was reclaiming control of the last remaining red bastions and a planned, stringent, anti-conversion law.

"Naxalism was the biggest impediment to development in Chhattisgarh. Since our government came to power on December 13, 2023, our government launched an intensive crackdown under the double engine government. Our Prime Minister has already set a target of March 31, 2026. Our jawans are motivated and have taken the fight to the Naxals," he said in a session by HT's national political editor Sunetra Choudhury.

"So far, 487 Naxals, including their top cadres, have already been neutralised. The surrenders and arrests numbers are also high. We are confident that the target will be met. For now the deadline is March 31, 2026 but it may be achieved before that," he added.