BJP's Chhattisgarh Victory Marks Turning Point in Battle Against Naxal Insurgency

Chhattisgarh Election Victory Boosts BJP’s Anti-Naxal Agenda

Written by: Supriya Kadu

Edited by: Pinky Deshmukh

Last Updated: May 22, 2025

Summary: In December 2023, the BJP's victory in Chhattisgarh strengthened efforts against Naxalite insurgents, resulting in the dismantling of major Maoist strongholds and the ousting of their leaders.

The BJP gained power in Chhattisgarh in December 2023, leading to a stronger effort to combat the Naxalite insurgency. This strategy has focused on destroying Maoist strongholds and weakening the leadership.

A significant achievement in this focused effort was the operation that led to the killing of Nambala Keshav Rao, or Basavaraju, the General Secretary of the Communist Party of India (Maoist). His elimination and the deaths of 26 other fighters greatly harmed the Maoist cause, leaving it without a leader.

State forces such as the CRPF, IB, and BSF, along with specialized teams like the Special Task Force and District Reserve Guard, need to work closely with central agencies for successful operations. From December 2023 to May 2025, they worked together to neutralize 401 Maoists, arrest 1,429 people, and have 1,355 insurgents surrender.

To stop Maoist influence from growing again, security forces have set up about 555 bases in areas that were once controlled by insurgents. These bases provide security and help with development projects, which reduces support for the Maoists.

These efforts have marked a watershed moment in India's ongoing fight against left-wing extremism, drastically reducing the Maoist insurgency in Chhattisgarh.