People chose the path of development, showed violence the way out – Chief Minister Sai
Raipur, 17 February 2025 – Democracy has achieved a historic feat in the first phase of three-tier panchayat elections in Chhattisgarh. Bastar division, which remained in the shadow of Naxalism for decades, is now moving towards the light of democracy. For the first time after many decades, villagers are voting in panchayat elections at many polling stations in Sukma and Bijapur districts. Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai said that the people in Bastar have chosen the path of development and shown violence the way out. He said that this change is the result of the strong will of the state and central government, sustainable development works and strong security arrangements. This is not just an election, but a proof of the growing faith in democracy in Naxal-affected areas and the steps towards a fear-free society. The lack of any opposition by Naxalites to the panchayat elections in Bastar is the result of the establishment of more than 40 new security camps in the area and the government’s strategy to restore confidence among the villagers. It is noteworthy that this time the villagers are excited to vote in Poorvarti, the village of Naxalite commander Hidma in Bastar. This is a historic change and shows the victory of democratic values.
Tremendous enthusiasm was also seen in Mohla-Manpur-Ambagadh Chowki, Dantewada and Gariaband districts of the state. Villagers voted fearlessly in areas like Pusnar, Gangalur, Cherpal, Reddy, Palanar of Bijapur. Strong roots of democracy in Bastar, historic step towards the end of Naxalism Chief Minister Sai said that the process of ending Naxalism in Bastar has now reached a decisive turn. In accordance with the resolution of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, a target has been set to free Chhattisgarh from Naxalism by March 2026. The state government is committed to connect the citizens of Bastar with development, education, health, employment and basic facilities. Roads, bridges, schools, hospitals and employment projects are being given priority in Bastar, which has increased the confidence of the villagers in governance and democracy.
Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai said on this historic achievement that the republic is winning over the guntantra in Bastar. This is the victory of all those villagers who abandoned fear and adopted democracy. This is the result of the hard work of the security forces, the vision of the government and public participation. The participation of every citizen is important in this victory of democracy. He said that the successful and peaceful conduct of voting process even in the Naxal-affected areas of Chhattisgarh proves that the faith of the common people in democracy is getting stronger day by day. The participation of every citizen is important in this success of democracy and the voters of the state have shown that they are fully aware of their rights and responsibilities.
