Amit Shah Addresses Bastar Olympics Closing, Highlights Path to Naxal-Free and Developed Bastar

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah addressed the closing ceremony of the Bastar Olympics 2025 in Jagdalpur, emphasizing the government’s mission to eradicate Naxalism from India, including Bastar, by March 31, 2026. The event was attended by Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai, Deputy Chief Minister Shri Vijay Sharma, and other dignitaries.

Shri Shah highlighted that Bastar will witness transformative development over the next five years, aiming to become the most developed tribal division in India by 2030. He outlined government initiatives to provide every household with electricity, drinking water, sanitation, gas, food security, and free medical treatment up to ₹5 lakh. Roads, banking facilities, PHCs, CHCs, cooperative-based industries, dairying projects, sports complexes, hospitals, and higher education institutions are being developed to modernize the region.

He lauded the participation of more than 3.9 lakh players in Bastar Olympics 2025, a 2.5-fold increase from last year, noting the significant rise in women participants. He also highlighted the inclusion of over 700 surrendered Naxalites in the games, praising their choice of “hope over fear” and “development over destruction.”

Shri Shah reaffirmed the government’s rehabilitation policies for surrendered Naxalites and victims of violence, urging armed Naxalites to lay down arms and join mainstream society. He stressed that peace is essential for development, and only through ending Naxalism can Bastar realize its full potential.

The Home Minister also emphasized preserving Bastar’s rich tribal culture, including traditional songs, festivals, music, dance, and games, noting government initiatives like a modern recording studio to promote cultural heritage.

He concluded by stating that Bastar is transitioning from a region once plagued by fear and gunfire to one marked by education, infrastructure, and opportunities, reinforcing the vision of a Naxal-free, developed Bastar under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Chhattisgarh government.

The Bastar Olympics 2025 exemplified this transformation, showcasing the region’s youth, sporting talent, and commitment to peace and development.