PM Modi Celebrates Diwali with Security Personnel in Bastar

Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated Diwali with security personnel in Bastar, Chhattisgarh, a region once known for its strong Maoist presence. During his visit, Modi joined the personnel stationed in the Bastar forests for the festival celebrations. Describing the security personnel as members of his family, the Prime Minister said he had come to celebrate Diwali among them and acknowledge their dedication to protecting the country.

Modi said efforts to eliminate Naxalism had paved the way for development in Bastar, adding that the region had now become free of Naxalism. He paid tribute to security personnel serving the nation and honoured those who had sacrificed their lives. Praising the progress made by security forces in the Bastar region, he also commended the CRPF for achieving a record of 12 months without any loss of life. The Prime Minister criticised previous governments, alleging that their lenient approach had contributed to the failure to eliminate Naxalism.