“The Pessimist Sees Difficulty In Every Opportunity. The Optimist Sees Opportunity In Every Difficulty.”

All three leaders have, time and again, emphasized the urgency to similarly eradicate Urban Naxalism, which is as dangerous as the armed activities of insurgents.

Shah has reiterated the Modi government’s pledge to build a Sashakt, Surakshit and Samuiddh Bharat with a ruthless approach towards Naxalism and relentless efforts for all-pervasive development. Bharat is determined to uproot Naxalism for good by 31 March 2026. He said the total number of districts affected by Naxalism in the country was 38 decades ago. While the number of ‘District of Concern’ has come down to six from nine, the number of ‘LWE-affected District’ has been reduced from 17 to six.

The most affected six districts are in Chhattisgarh (Bijapur, Kanker, Narayanpur, and Sukma), Jharkhand (West Singhbhum), and Maharashtra (Gadchiroli). Similarly, the Districts of Concern are in Andhra Pradesh (Alluri Sitarama Raju), Madhya Pradesh (Balaghat), Odisha (Kalahandi, Kandhamal, and Malkangiri), and Telangana (Bhadradri-Kothagudem).

The number of ‘Other LWE-affected District’ has also decreased from 17 to six. These districts are from Chhattisgarh (Dantewada, Gariaband, and Mohla-Manpur-Ambagarh Chowki), Jharkhand (Latehar), Odisha (Nuapada), and Telangana (Mulugu).

The rapid improvement in the LWE scenario in the last one year is primarily due to the establishment of new security camps in the insurgency-affected core areas and developmental works such as expansion of roads and transport facilities, provision of water and electricity and other welfare schemes.

Basavaraju, the backbone of the Naxal movement, and 26 dreaded Maoists were killed by security forces in a fierce encounter in the dense forests of Abhujmad in the Bastar region of Chhattisgarh on Wednesday.  With this latest operation, 200 Naxalites have been killed in various encounters in Chhattisgarh this year alone. There were 183  fatalities which occurred in the Bastar division. The operation took place in Narayanpur in  Chhattisgarh. Basavaraju was the general secretary of the CPI-Maoist. He also shared that after the completion of Operation Black Forest, 54 Naxalites have been arrested and 84 Naxalites have surrendered in Chhattisgarh, Telangana and Maharashtra.

The Maharashtra government has taken certain major initiatives to root out Naxalism from the state.  An initiative taken by the Gadchiroli police to counter the Naxal propaganda in Maharashtra against insurgency covers implementation of ‘Surrender’ policies whereby the Naxalites who willfully surrender are rewarded. Rehabilitation of such Naxals is carried out through the Indian Human Rights Council by educating them and provide a better lifestyle. Public Awareness campaigns are undertaken to educate the people about the dangers of Naxalism.

Maintenance of law and order to ensure the safety of the people has been the main priority. The Naxalite movement has been challenged politically and by providing effective  alternatives in the Maoist-affected areas. Offer better opportunities and infrastructure by providing basic amenities like access to health, education, food, and sanitation.

All these factors were highlighted by Fadnavis earlier this year when eleven Naxalites, including senior leader  Vimla Chandra Sidam alias Tarakka, surrendered in Gadchiroli. These Maoists were carrying a collective reward over one crore rupees. They were involved in attacking the security personnel. Dandkaranya zonal committee member Tarakka had been involved in the Naxalism movement for 38 years.

Fadnavis also felicitated C-60 commandos and officers for bravery. “Gadchiroli Police have almost eradicated Naxal activities in the district. North Gadchiroli is now free of Maoist activities and south Gadchiroli will soon become free,” he said. With the latest operation, this goal appears closer that ever before. Fadnavis told the media that the terror of Naxalites in remote areas of Gadchiroli district was waning and Naxalism as such was nearing its end.

Fadnavis inaugurated the 32-km-long Gatta-Gardewada-Wangeturi road and bus services of the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation on the Wangeturi-Gardewada-Gatta-Aheri route in the district during his visit.  Gadchiroli is not the last, but the “first district” for the government , he said. The road link inaugurated by him connects Maharashtra directly to Chhattisgarh. The other highlight, he said, was that the people in the vicinity were getting the MSRTC bus services for the first time, after 75 years of Independence.

Fadnavis complimented the Gadchiroli police for their work against Naxalism. He said people no longer support Naxalites and none is now willing to join them.

Fadnavis inaugurated various units under Lloyds Metals And Energy Ltd at Konsari in Gadchirole district. He assured that around 20,000 employment opportunities will be generated in Gadchiroli district in mining-related ventures. An airport will come up in Gadchiroli in the near future and waterways connecting Gadchiroli river ports will also be surveyed, he announced.

Over the past decade, the Maharashtra government has given special attention to free the infested area of Naxalism. The menace has reduced considerably. The reassuring words by the chief minister indicate that the Centre’s promise to end Naxalism by the end of 2026 will be largely fulfilled, with Maharashtra making a significant contribution.