India's Path to Becoming Maoist-Free by 2026: Home Minister Amit Shah's Definitive Timeline

Amit Shah, the Home Minister, has emphasized that the Maoist insurgency in India has been significantly weakened, reaffirming his commitment that the country will become "Maoist-free by March 31 next year".

The number of Left-Wing Extremism-affected (LWE) districts has dramatically decreased from 126 in 2013 to just 18 by April 2025. Currently, only three districts remain most severely affected, all located in Chhattisgarh: Bijapur, Sukma, and Narayanpur.

"I have already said that by March 31, 2026," Amit Shah declared during an interview with NDTV's Editor-in-Chief and CEO Rahul Kanwal at the NDTV Power Play conclave in Bihar's Patna, addressing the timeline for complete elimination of Maoist insurgents.

"There was a time when proponents of Maoist ideology spoke about the Red Corridor. More than 130 districts nationwide were impacted by Maoism. Today, only 11 districts remain affected, with just three districts severely impacted. Many Maoists have been neutralized, arrested, or have surrendered. I believe the backbone of this violent movement has been broken. The few remaining insurgents will be eliminated by security agencies by March 31," the Minister explained.

When questioned about ensuring that surrendered Maoists do not propagate their ideology again, Shah detailed the rehabilitation process: "After surrendering, they must remain under supervision for 6 months in dedicated rehabilitation centers. These facilities provide psychiatric support, skill development programs, and comprehensive rehabilitation schemes. We also maintain surveillance on individuals who haven't fully gained our trust."

"But after March 31, 2026, there will be no Maoists remaining in this country," he confidently stated.

Earlier that day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking from Chhattisgarh, noted that the 'red flag' symbolizing Maoist control across various Indian districts has been replaced with the Tiranga (Indian flag), following recent mass surrenders of Naxalites.

PM Modi highlighted that Chhattisgarh's road infrastructure development had been hampered by Maoist presence, which also resulted in the killings of teachers and doctors working in affected regions. He added, "When we came to power in 2014, we committed to freeing India from Maoism."

"The results are evident today. Eleven years ago, 150 districts in India were under Maoist control. Now, only three districts remain under their influence. I assure you that the day is approaching when both India and Chhattisgarh will be completely free from Maoism. Those who chose violence are now surrendering. Recently, over 20 Maoists rejoined the mainstream in Kanker. On October 17, 200 Maoists surrendered in Bastar. Dozens more across the country have laid down their arms in recent times," he reported.

The Indian government continues implementing a comprehensive strategy to combat Maoism, focusing on three key areas: enhancing security measures to neutralize Maoist groups and prevent their activities; promoting development and infrastructure projects in affected regions to improve living standards and create opportunities for local communities; and encouraging Maoists to surrender through rehabilitation programs designed to facilitate their reintegration into mainstream society.