Amit Shah Attends Bastar Dussehra Festival in Jagdalpur

Jagdalpur, Chhattisgarh – Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Amit Shah, participated in the prestigious Bastar Dussehra festival in Jagdalpur, Chhattisgarh, emphasizing the event’s global cultural significance and underscoring efforts to combat Naxalism and foster development in the region.

Amit Shah described the 75-day-long Bastar Dussehra as the world’s largest and most unique festival, showcasing tribal culture not just for India but globally. Prior to his address, he visited and offered prayers at the renowned Danteshwari Temple, seeking blessings for security forces to gain strength to make the Bastar region free from Naxalite violence by March 31, 2026. He asserted that Naxalism itself is the primary reason for Bastar’s deprivation from progress, debunking misconceptions that Naxalism arose from struggles for development.

The Home Minister highlighted that while every village in the country now has access to electricity, drinking water, roads, toilets, health insurance up to ₹5 lakh, and free grain distribution with rice procurement at ₹3,100 per quintal, Bastar has lagged behind in this race for progress. He assured, on behalf of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, that after March 31, 2026, Naxalites will no longer be able to hinder Bastar’s development or the rights of its people.

Amit Shah appealed to the people of Bastar to convince misguided youth involved in Naxalism to lay down their arms and join the mainstream to contribute to the region’s development. He praised the Chhattisgarh government for formulating the country’s most effective surrender policy, noting that over 500 individuals have surrendered in the past month alone. He urged Naxalites to surrender and announced that every village which will be completely free of Naxalism would receive ₹1 crore from the Chhattisgarh government for development.

The Union Home Minister emphasized that both the Central and Chhattisgarh governments are fully committed to the development of Bastar and other Naxal-affected areas, with attractive policies in place. Over the past 10 years, Prime Minister Modi has provided approximately ₹4.40 lakh crore for Chhattisgarh’s development. The state is progressing at an unprecedented pace, with industries being established, educational institutions being built, healthcare facilities expanding, and small-scale industries being promoted.

Amit Shah warned that any attempt to disturb Bastar’s peace through violence would be met with a strong response from the armed forces, CRPF, and Chhattisgarh Police, firmly stating that March 31, 2026, is the set date by which Naxalism will be completely eradicated from the country.

He highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s resolve to preserve India’s culture, language, food, clothing, and musical instruments for centuries, not just for India but for the entire world. The Chhattisgarh government and the Government of India are fully committed to fulfilling this resolve. Amit Shah noted that Bastar’s Pandum festival, cuisine, attire, art, and musical instruments have become a center of attraction worldwide.

The Union Home Minister spoke about the Muria Darbar, with its active participation, judicial system, preservation of tribal culture, and tradition of public dialogue since 1874, is no less than a global heritage and a source of inspiration and knowledge for the entire country. He mentioned the Swadeshi Mela organized by the Swadeshi Jagran Manch, lauding Prime Minister Modi’s emphasis on Swadeshi (indigenous products), urging adoption of Indian-made products for economic growth. Over 300 Swadeshi companies participated in the Bastar Dussehra Festival.

Amit Shah stated that the 75-day Bastar Dussehra is a matter of pride, identity, and honor for all, with the chariot procession sparking cultural awakening in the region since the 14th century. He added that Bastar Dussehra and Muria Darbar work to unite tribal communities and bind the entire Bastar region together.

On the occasion of the Bastar Dussehra Festival, the 20th installment of the ‘Mahtari Vandan Yojana’ was distributed, providing ₹607 crore to 70 lakh mothers in Chhattisgarh. The Chief Minister Rural Bus Scheme was also launched, covering Bastar and Surguja divisions, and including 250 villages.

The event saw the presence of Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai and Deputy Chief Minister Dr. Vijay Sharma, reflecting collective focus on Bastar’s progress and cultural pride.