What did Amit Shah say about Maoists and Swadeshi products during Bastar Dussehra Durbar?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Emphasis on swadeshi values and products
- Call for Maoists to surrender and aid development
- Launch of rural bus service for better connectivity
- Significant funds allocated for women's empowerment
- Commitment to inclusive growth in Chhattisgarh
Jagdalpur, Oct 4 (NationPress) On Saturday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah delivered a heartfelt call for embracing swadeshi values and products to boost India’s economic development.
During his address to a significant crowd in Jagdalpur, HM Shah stressed that the promotion of indigenous goods is not just a cultural sentiment but a vital economic strategy.
He pointed out that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration has slashed taxes on 395 items, with many essential household products now taxed at a mere 5 percent—a rate he deemed unprecedented in independent India.
While discussing the 'Swadeshi Mela' hosted by the Swadeshi Manch, HM Shah mentioned that approximately 300 companies showcased their offerings.
He also noted that similar melas are being organized nationwide to foster local entrepreneurship and self-reliance.
HM Shah encouraged villagers throughout Chhattisgarh to motivate Maoists who have deviated from the mainstream to surrender, renounce violence, and aid in the state’s progress.
He revealed that ₹4.40 lakh crore has already been allocated for various developmental initiatives in Chhattisgarh, resulting in the establishment of new industries, educational institutions, and healthcare facilities.
He reaffirmed that both the central and state governments are dedicated to transforming the region through inclusive growth and infrastructure development.
"Our Prime Minister Narendra Modi has ensured over 15,000 homes for families affected by Naxal violence," the Union Home Minister stated.
"We have enacted the most effective surrender policy. Once a village is declared Naxal-free, the Chhattisgarh government will immediately allocate ₹1 crore for its development. In the last month alone, 500 Maoists have surrendered. If they choose not to surrender, our security forces are ready to eradicate Naxalism from the nation by March 31, 2026—a date that has been set," he warned.
The Union Home Minister also launched a rural bus service aimed at enhancing connectivity across 250 villages in the Bastar and Sarguja divisions.
This service will run on 34 routes, providing essential transport links for remote tribal communities and improving access to education, healthcare, and job opportunities.
HM Shah expressed his deep admiration for the Muria Durbar and encouraged his colleagues in Delhi to visit and experience the democratic values reflected in the tradition.
His visit commenced with a ceremonial welcome at Danteshwari Airport, followed by prayers at the esteemed Maa Danteshwari Temple.
Later, he met with members of the Bastar royal family, including Kamalchand Bhanjdev, at the historic palace, emphasizing the cultural importance of the event.
In a significant welfare initiative, HM Shah digitally transferred ₹606 crore to the bank accounts of 6.5 million women beneficiaries under the Mahtari Vandan Yojana, highlighting the government's commitment to women's empowerment and financial inclusion.
The Bastar Dussehra, recognized as the world's longest festival, provided a lively backdrop for HM Shah's announcements. With private enterprises participating in the mela to promote swadeshi products, the event served as a platform to merge tradition with economic vision.