Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday, 3 November 2026, declared that Chhattisgarh has become Naxal-free, marking a historic turning point for a state that was long considered the epicentre of Left-Wing Extremism in India. Addressing the closing ceremony of the Chhattisgarh Rajyotsav at Naya Raipur, Shah also predicted that the state would rank among the top three tourism destinations in the country in the coming years.

Key Declarations at Rajyotsav

Speaking at the ceremony — presided over by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai — Shah outlined the state's developmental trajectory since its formation 26 years ago. He noted that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has governed Chhattisgarh for 20 of those 26 years. During this tenure, he said, the state's annual budget has increased 30-fold, per capita income has risen significantly, and the Gross State Product has grown 25 times. The network of ITIs, colleges, polytechnics, and universities has reportedly expanded threefold.

Shah recalled a long-standing characterisation of the region: 'It was once said the land is rich, but the people are poor.' He assured that within 10 years, both the land and its people would be prosperous. 'The goal under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is to create a state where people are happy and affluent, and the land itself is prosperous and thriving,' he said.

Tourism Push and Cultural Revival

Shah highlighted the state's tourism potential, pointing to destinations such as the Gariaband region, the Balameshwari temple, the Danteshwari temple in Dantewada, and the distinctive Bastar Dussehra festival. Cultural initiatives such as Bastar Pandum and Bastar Olympics, he said, are actively reviving and promoting the state's rich folk traditions.

Earlier in the day, Shah inaugurated the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Park in Naya Raipur. Distinguished individuals from various fields were honoured with State Awards at the Rajyotsav closing ceremony.

Political Legacy and Governance Narrative

Shah attributed the state's founding to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and credited Prime Minister Modi with nurturing its growth. He said the BJP's tenure has guided the people of Chhattisgarh 'from an era of fear toward an era of trust, and from mere resources toward true prosperity.' He praised Chief Minister Sai for ensuring a large public turnout at the ceremony despite heavy rain.

Chhattisgarh Foundation Day, marked on 1 November, commemorates the state's formation in 2000. Shah offered greetings on the occasion and paid respects to 'Chhattisgarh Mahtari', a reverent reference to the state's identity as a mother figure in local culture.

Context: The Naxal-Free Claim

The declaration comes after years of sustained counter-insurgency operations across the Bastar division, which has historically recorded the highest Naxal-related casualties in the country. Security forces have reported a sharp decline in Naxal incidents and area of influence over the past two years, though independent monitors have at times noted that 'Naxal-free' declarations require sustained civilian administration and development as a follow-through. This is among the most emphatic official statements on the subject from a senior Union government figure to date.

All eyes will now be on how the Centre and the state government translate the security gains into long-term economic and administrative consolidation in previously affected districts.