Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 8 November 2026 declared that a decisive shift in India's anti-Naxal strategy after 2014 — driven by stronger political will, targeted policy decisions, and greater operational freedom for security forces — had significantly weakened Maoist terrorism across the country. Addressing soldiers at the CoBRA Operations Base at Karanpur in Bastar district, Chhattisgarh, Modi asserted that the previous governments had actively constrained the capabilities of security personnel, while his administration had reversed that approach.

Modi's Charge Against Previous Governments

Modi alleged that security forces under earlier dispensations were denied the authority to respond effectively even when they were directly under attack from Naxalites. 'Previous governments had often constrained the operational capabilities of security personnel on the ground. While Naxalite attacks occurred, security forces lacked the authority to respond effectively,' he said.

In contrast, he said, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government had granted personnel on the ground the authority to take critical decisions independently during active operations. 'We empowered them to make crucial decisions independently,' Modi added.

Key Milestones in Anti-Naxal Operations

The Prime Minister highlighted a landmark achievement from last year: for the first time in 47 years, not a single Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel deployed on duty lost their life in anti-Naxal operations. He contrasted this with an earlier period when security personnel killed in operations outnumbered Naxalites eliminated.

'This marks a triumph for the nation's sound policies and unwavering resolve. It serves as a testament to your bravery, strength, and self-control,' he said, addressing the assembled soldiers.

Choking Naxal Funding and Supply Lines

Modi said several measures — including some that 'remain unknown to the public' — had been taken to disrupt the financial and logistical networks sustaining Left-Wing Extremism. He said the dismantling of the fake currency network 'not only broke their financial backbone but also choked their entire supply line,' halting weapon supplies and restricting both the movement and recruitment of Naxalites.

He also said the government had worked to eliminate support for Left-Wing Extremism from within the administrative machinery and various institutions. 'We also worked to eliminate any support from certain individuals within the government and the system towards Left-Wing Extremism,' he said.

Development as a Counter-Extremism Tool

Modi underscored that the anti-Naxal effort was not purely a security exercise. He said the government had simultaneously focused on improving living conditions in Maoist-affected areas, which he credited with turning local populations toward the state. 'With a commitment to service, we improved the lives of individuals in areas affected by Naxalism. This is why even those who have experienced hardships due to Naxalism have rallied behind the government and security forces,' he said.

Notably, Modi addressed his remarks to citizens from the affected regions who were present at the event, personally acknowledging their role in what he described as a 'significant victory.'

Political Context

The address at Bastar — historically one of the most Naxal-affected regions in India — carries symbolic weight. The Chhattisgarh government and central security agencies have reported a sharp decline in Naxal violence over the past two years, with several senior Maoist commanders either killed or surrendered. Critics, however, have called for independent verification of the data cited in official narratives, and rights groups have periodically raised concerns about civilian casualties in the conflict zone. The Centre has maintained that operations are conducted within legal and constitutional bounds. How the remaining Maoist holdouts respond in the months ahead will be a key test of whether the gains are durable.