Maharashtra on the Threshold of Naxal-Free Status – CM Devendra Fadnavis

Nagpur, Dec 2025: Maharashtra is on the verge of becoming Naxal-free, said Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, while chairing a state-level review meeting of the Joint Committee on the National Plan and Action Framework. The central government aims to eliminate Naxalism from India by 2026, and Maharashtra is leading the way. Fadnavis credited the state’s long-term policies and the police force’s dedicated efforts for this achievement.

The Chief Minister directed that new police stations be established in extremely remote areas to strengthen law enforcement. These police stations should be fully staffed and equipped. Once Naxalism is eliminated, welfare programs should be organized in these areas to integrate local communities into the mainstream. Government schemes should be made available to villagers, employment opportunities provided for youth, cultural programs organized, and local products promoted through markets.

The review meeting of the state-level Joint Committee was held in the Ministerial Council Hall of the Legislative Assembly, chaired by CM Fadnavis.

The Chief Minister emphasized that the surrender of Naxal cadres has been made possible through police efforts. He instructed that a prize of ₹1 crore be awarded to the Gadchiroli police responsible for bringing hardcore Naxals to surrender. Officers who have contributed effectively to weakening the Naxal movement should be considered for promotion. All matters related to Gadchiroli district should receive priority at the ministry level.

Fadnavis also instructed the initiation of a new Superintendent of Police building in Gadchiroli, with funds to be provided. Additionally, the procurement of 33 new vehicles for the police force should be completed.

The meeting was attended by senior officials including Chief Secretary Rajesh Agrawal, Additional Chief Secretaries O.P. Gupta, Manisha Mhasekar, Milind Mhasekar, Director General of Police Rashmi Shukla, Home Department Principal Secretary Anup Kumar Singh, and senior police officers. Inspector General of Police Ankit Goyal made the presentation.

Police Station Established at Site of Naxal Celebration

On October 8, 2009, 17 police personnel were martyred in a Naxal attack at Laheri in Bhamragad taluka. Naxals celebrated their “victory” at the site. In response, a new police station was constructed at the same location, increasing local confidence in law enforcement. This serves as a symbolic example of Naxalism coming to an end.

Development Projects to Counter Naxalism

A 17.3 km road connecting Dhodraj – Nilgunda – Kawande in Gadchiroli district will be constructed. Bridges over Korma Nala, Bedre, and the Indravati River (from Damrancha to Sandra, 750 meters long) will also be built, eventually connecting to Bijapur.

To improve connectivity, the number of mobile towers in Gadchiroli increased from 271 in 2022 to 521 towers between 2023–25, ensuring better communication infrastructure in the region.

These initiatives aim to strengthen governance, improve infrastructure, and provide development opportunities, addressing Naxalism through inclusive growth and integration.