Amit Shah says it's "time for the final assault" and vows to eradicate naxalism in India by March 2026.

 Home Minister Amit Shah announced on Saturday that it is time to launch a decisive campaign against Naxalism, stating that the moment has arrived for a "final assault" on the extremist ideology. He expressed confidence that the battle against Naxalism is nearing its conclusion and projected that by March 2026, India would be completely free of this threat.

Amit Shah says it's "time for the final assault" and vows to eradicate naxalism in India by March 2026.

Addressing the media after an inter-state coordination meeting attended by Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, chief secretaries, and police chiefs from Chhattisgarh and neighboring states, Shah emphasized the urgency of a coordinated and forceful approach to eradicate left-wing extremism. "The time has come to execute the final assault with a ruthless strategy to deal with leftist extremism and Naxalism," Shah declared, underscoring the need for a comprehensive and aggressive action plan.

Shah explained that the focus of the meeting was to ensure the full implementation of both central and Chhattisgarh government schemes in Naxal-affected regions. The meeting also aimed to advance infrastructure projects in these areas, addressing the obstacles that have hindered their progress in the past. “The goal is to achieve 100% saturation of government schemes in Naxal-affected areas, push forward infrastructure projects, and overcome the challenges faced during their implementation," Shah stated.

Highlighting the progress made in the fight against Naxalism, Shah noted a significant decrease in casualties due to left-wing extremism (LWE) in recent years. "In the first decade, 6,617 security personnel and civilians lost their lives, but now we have seen a 70% reduction in these numbers," he pointed out, indicating a substantial decline in violence and a positive trend towards ending the Naxal threat.

Additionally, Amit Shah addressed the issue of the national population census, assuring that it would be conducted at an "appropriate time." "It will be carried out when the time is right. I will announce the specifics of how and when it will take place," he said, leaving room for future updates on this matter.

During the press conference, Shah also took the opportunity to criticize the Congress party for forming a coalition with the National Conference (NC) for the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir elections. He accused the Congress of not acting in the interests of the Other Backward Classes (OBCs), suggesting that the party’s alliances and policies do not favor the marginalized communities.