PM Modi Celebrates Diwali in Bastar, Highlights India’s Fight Against Naxalism
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's decision to celebrate Diwali with security personnel in Chhattisgarh's Bastar region has brought renewed attention to one of India's most significant internal security challenges. The visit carries symbolic importance because Bastar was once among the areas most affected by Maoist insurgency and is now at the centre of the government's efforts to demonstrate a transition towards peace, stability and development.
The Prime Minister used the occasion to recognise the sacrifices of security personnel who participated in anti-Naxal operations and to highlight what the government describes as a major achievement in its campaign against Left-Wing Extremism.
PM Modi Chooses Bastar for Diwali Celebrations
On November 8, 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi travelled to Bastar to celebrate Diwali with security forces deployed in the region. He announced his visit through a social media message, describing Bastar as a place where Naxalism once dominated but development is now gaining momentum.
His visit was intended to honour the personnel who served in difficult operational conditions and contributed to efforts to restore security in the region.
Modi has maintained a tradition of celebrating Diwali with India's armed forces and security personnel rather than limiting the festival to official celebrations in the national capital. His choice of Bastar this year gives the tradition a different significance, as the region represents an important chapter in India's internal security campaign.
‘First Diwali After Naxalism’ – Modi’s Message
During his address to the security personnel, Modi described Diwali 2026 as particularly meaningful because it was the first festival of lights following what he called India's victory in its decades-long battle against Naxalism and Maoist violence.
He said that people across the country could now celebrate the festival with greater confidence, as the government had achieved its objective of eliminating Naxal influence from every district.
The Prime Minister also acknowledged that the security forces protecting the country's borders and maintaining internal security were making enormous sacrifices. He described the personnel as members of his extended family and said their dedication had made the progress possible.
His remarks placed particular emphasis on the contribution of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), state police personnel and other security agencies involved in operations against Maoist groups.
Modi Raises Concern Over ‘Ideological Naxalism’
One of the notable aspects of the Prime Minister's address was his warning about what he described as the continuing influence of Naxal ideology beyond armed groups operating in forests.
Modi argued that although armed Maoist activity had been significantly weakened, ideological supporters could still influence organisations and political spaces. He used the expression 'dimagi Naxals' to describe what he considers a different dimension of the threat.
The comments introduced a broader political dimension to the celebrations. They also highlighted the government's position that the fight against extremism involves more than security operations.
However, distinguishing between armed insurgency, political disagreement and ideological expression remains important. These are different issues, and any action against unlawful activity must operate within constitutional and legal safeguards.
The broader challenge is to ensure that security improvements are accompanied by democratic participation, public trust and opportunities for communities to express their concerns peacefully.
CRPF Records an Important Operational Milestone
Another significant point highlighted during the celebrations was the CRPF's operational safety record.
According to Modi, for the first time in 47 years, no CRPF personnel lost their lives in operational incidents during the preceding year. He described the achievement as an indication of improved policies and stronger security preparedness.
The milestone is important because counter-insurgency operations involve difficult geographical conditions, unpredictable threats and considerable risks to personnel.
Improvements in intelligence gathering, equipment, coordination, training and medical evacuation can all contribute to reducing casualties. However, maintaining such a record requires continuous attention to personnel safety and operational readiness.
The Prime Minister's recognition of this achievement also brought attention to the human cost of India's long-running internal security operations.
Bastar's Transition From Conflict to Development
Bastar's importance extends beyond its geographical location in southern Chhattisgarh. For decades, parts of the wider Bastar region were affected by Maoist insurgency, creating serious obstacles for administration, infrastructure development and access to public services.
Violence and security restrictions affected the movement of people and the implementation of development programmes in several remote areas.
The government's counter-insurgency strategy has included security operations, the establishment of forward security camps and efforts to improve administrative access. The broader objective is to create conditions in which government institutions and essential services can function more effectively.
Development in such regions requires more than the reduction of armed violence. Reliable roads, schools, healthcare facilities, electricity, telecommunications and employment opportunities are equally important.
For local communities, the real benefits of improved security will become visible when children can attend schools regularly, patients can reach hospitals without difficulty and families have better opportunities to earn a livelihood.
This is why the next phase of Bastar's transformation will be closely connected to the quality and accessibility of public services.
Modi's Annual Diwali Tradition With Security Forces
Celebrating Diwali with security personnel has become an annual tradition for Modi since he became Prime Minister in 2014.
His first such celebration took place at Siachen. In subsequent years, he visited several locations, including Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan, Ladakh and other strategic areas. In 2025, he celebrated Diwali aboard India's aircraft carrier INS Vikrant.
The 2026 visit to Bastar represents a different focus. Instead of highlighting only India's border security, it recognises the role of personnel engaged in protecting communities from internal security threats.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also celebrated Diwali with Army personnel at the Sherathang War Memorial near Nathula Pass in Sikkim.
What Lies Ahead for Bastar?
The government's declaration of success against Naxalism marks an important moment, but sustaining peace will require long-term efforts.
The region needs consistent investment in infrastructure, education, healthcare and employment. Local communities must also have confidence in public institutions and access to government welfare programmes.
Equally important is ensuring that people who surrender and wish to return to mainstream society receive opportunities for rehabilitation and reintegration, while unlawful violence is addressed through the legal system.
Conclusion
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Diwali celebrations in Bastar carry significance beyond the festival itself. The visit recognises the sacrifices of security personnel and highlights the government's claim of major progress against Naxalism.
For Bastar, however, the most meaningful measure of success will be whether improved security translates into lasting peace, better living conditions and economic opportunities for ordinary residents. The region's next chapter will depend on turning security gains into sustainable development.
