'From Naxal stronghold to development hub': PM Modi celebrates Diwali with forces in Bastar
Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated Diwali on Sunday with security personnel in Chhattisgarh's Bastar region, an area that was once a major stronghold of Naxalism but has witnessed significant progress in anti-insurgency operations.
Speaking on the occasion, PM Modi said the country has not only won the battle against Naxalism and separatism but has also fought a major battle against poverty.
"Just a few days ago, ahead of Diwali, the World Bank stated in its report that over the past 12 years, 50 crore people in India," PM Modi said.
A very special Diwali with our brave security forces in Bastar, Chhattisgarh. https://t.co/7I5aOQdMSk
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 8, 2026
In a post on X, Modi announced his visit and said he was heading to Bastar to celebrate the festival with the country's security forces.
Describing the region as a place where development was now flourishing after years of Naxal influence, the Prime Minister said he would pay tribute to security personnel for their sacrifices and dedication to the nation.
“I am going to salute our brave security personnel for their sacrifices, selfless service and unwavering devotion to the nation,” Modi said.
Heading to Bastar to celebrate Diwali with our brave security forces. This is an area where Naxalism once held sway and now, development is flourishing. I am going to salute our brave security personnel for their sacrifices, selfless service and unwavering devotion to the nation. दीपावली के पावन अवसर पर बस्तर जा रहा हूं। कल तक जहां नक्सलियों का कहर था वहां आज विकास की बहार है। वीर जवानों, उनके बलिदान, त्याग और तपस्या को नमन करने जा रहा हूं।
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 8, 2026
Security forces at the forefront of anti-Naxal operations
Personnel from the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) and Chhattisgarh Police have been closely involved in anti-Naxal operations across Bastar, which has witnessed intensified security operations in recent years.
On March 31 this year, the Centre announced that India had been freed from the menace of Naxalism, citing the elimination of several senior Maoist leaders and cadres, along with the surrender of hundreds of others.
Modi's visit to Bastar comes as the government highlights the progress made in tackling Left-Wing Extremism and expanding development initiatives in previously affected regions.
Modi continues Diwali tradition with security personnel
On Saturday, the Prime Minister announced that he would continue his annual tradition of celebrating Diwali with security personnel, as he has done in previous years.
In a video message shared on his social media accounts, Modi extended festive greetings to people across the country, wishing them peace, prosperity and happiness.
“My heartiest greetings to all of you for Deepavali. I wish for peace, prosperity and happiness for all of you in the coming days. I also celebrate Deepavali like you with great enthusiasm,” he said.
Reaffirming his commitment to the tradition, Modi added, “This time also I will continue the tradition.”
Heading to Bastar to celebrate Diwali with our brave security forces. This is an area where Naxalism once held sway and now, development is flourishing. I am going to salute our brave security personnel for their sacrifices, selfless service and unwavering devotion to the nation. दीपावली के पावन अवसर पर बस्तर जा रहा हूं। कल तक जहां नक्सलियों का कहर था वहां आज विकास की बहार है। वीर जवानों, उनके बलिदान, त्याग और तपस्या को नमन करने जा रहा हूं।
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 8, 2026
His visit to Bastar will mark another Diwali celebration with personnel serving in challenging security conditions across the country.
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