Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah addressed the closing ceremony of Chhattisgarh Rajyotsav in Raipur, declaring the state officially Naxal-free. He credited the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) and Chhattisgarh Police for this security achievement, which was accomplished within two months of the new government taking power. Shah reported that 90% of Naxalites surrendered while only 10% were killed in operations, attributing this success to the government's policy of offering mainstream integration to those who lay down arms.
The Home Minister made several accusations against opposition parties, claiming they historically supported Naxalism and unconstitutional parallel governments like the 'Jantana Sarkar' which executed innocent journalists, social workers, and students. He specifically referenced a 2010 statement by a former opposition Home Minister who suggested Naxalites need not surrender weapons but merely stop creating disturbances. Shah challenged the current opposition to allow Parliament to function properly, stating the Modi government is ready to discuss all issues in a special session.
On development metrics, Shah announced that the Chhattisgarh government has fulfilled over 70% of the guarantees made by the Modi government, including transferring the 33rd installment under the Mahtari Vandan Yojana to women beneficiaries. The state budget has increased 30-fold since formation, per capita income has risen 17-fold, and GSDP has grown 25-fold. Educational infrastructure has expanded significantly with ITI institutions doubling, engineering colleges tripling, polytechnic colleges increasing six-fold, and overall colleges and universities growing six-fold, contributing to a literacy rate increase from 65% to 79%.
Shah unveiled an environmental initiative to plant 5 lakh Peepal trees in Naya Raipur, transforming it into what he called the 'world's largest eco-friendly city'. He projected that Chhattisgarh will rank among the top three tourism states in India, highlighting attractions including Chitrakote Falls, Tirathgarh Falls, Kanger Valley National Park, Maa Bamleshwari Temple, Maa Danteshwari Temple in Dantewada, and the 75-day Bastar Dussehra festival. The government is also providing artificial limbs to those who lost limbs due to Naxalite violence over the past 30 years.