BJP’s Win in Chhattisgarh: A Major Step Against Naxals

Consistent Efforts Bring Big Wins

NEW DELHI: The battle against the CPI(Maoist) has taken a big turn. The killing of their top leader, Basavaraju, was not just a one-time event. It was the result of steady, smart strikes. These strikes aimed to destroy Maoist hideouts one by one. The pace picked up after the BJP government came to power in Chhattisgarh in December 2023.

Plan to End Left-Wing Extremism

Home Minister Amit Shah had a clear goal. He wanted to end left-wing extremism right after taking charge in 2019. The plan was to send security forces into Naxal strongholds. These areas had no administration or police. The aim was to introduce locals to the Centre’s key schemes.

They saw success in Bihar and Jharkhand. The next step was to take the fight to the Abujhmad region in Chhattisgarh. This is where the top Maoist leaders were hiding.

Teamwork is Key

After 2023, teamwork has been smooth. The Centre and its agencies like CRPF, IB, and BSF worked together. The Chhattisgarh government and state police also played a big role. Special anti-Naxal teams like the District Reserve Guard (DRG) and Special Task Force (STF) were part of this.

Over the past year and a half, these agencies have followed a clear plan. They took out the outfit’s top, middle, and lower-level leaders. They challenged the Maoists in their safe zones. They pushed back the Maoists, shrinking their control to a few small areas.

Numbers Show Success

The numbers prove the success of these team efforts:

• 401 Maoists were taken out
• 1429 were arrested
• 1355 surrendered in Chhattisgarh between December 1, 2023, and May 21, 2025

To stop the Maoists from coming back, the CRPF has set up security camps or forward operating bases (FOBs). Since 2019, nearly 555 such camps have been set up. This has increased security and helped push administration into nearby villages.

Maoists Ask for Truce

Maoists, with their numbers down due to killings, arrests, and surrenders, are now asking for a truce and talks. But the Centre is not backing down. It is focused on ending Naxalism for good by the March 2026 deadline.

Operation Black Forest, from April 22 to May 11, and the Narayanpur operation together took out 58 Maoists, including their top leader Basavaraju. These operations are part of the final push.

DRG Experiment Works

Wednesday’s operation also shows the success of the DRG experiment. This uses former Naxals for anti-Maoist operations. DRG has been leading joint operations. Its commandos know the terrain and tactics of the Maoists’ forest hideouts well.

With precise intelligence, DRG had its biggest win on Wednesday. Basavaraju, who moved with stealth, was finally cornered and taken down by the very men he once led.