Union Home Minister Amit Shah held a press conference in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, on Saturday, addressing key issues including the delayed decadal census and the fight against Naxalism. Shah confirmed that the decadal census, initially scheduled for 2021, will be conducted at an appropriate time, with details on timing and execution to be announced once finalized.
“The census will be carried out at the appropriate time,” Shah stated. “Once we decide on the specifics, I will make the announcement on how and when it will take place.”
Shah’s comments come amid growing concerns over the delay in the census, which has yet to begin. During the press conference, he also highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to combat Naxalism, asserting that India will be free from Naxalism by March 2026.
“Over the past decade, we have seen a 70% reduction in casualties among security personnel and civilians,” Shah noted. “We have also achieved a 69% reduction in civilian deaths. I believe we are in the final phase of this battle, and by March 2026, we will achieve complete freedom from Naxalism.”
Shah participated in an inter-state coordination meeting with Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, along with Chief Secretaries and Director Generals of Police from Chhattisgarh and neighboring states. The meeting focused on measures against Naxal insurgency and progress on infrastructure projects in the Red Corridor regions affected by Left Wing Extremism (LWE).
“Today’s meeting aimed at ensuring 100% saturation of Central and Chhattisgarh government schemes in Naxal-affected areas and addressing the challenges faced during these projects,” Shah explained. “We are now ready for the final push to tackle leftism and Naxalism decisively.”
On August 25, Shah is set to inaugurate the new Raipur Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) office, following a morning review meeting. His three-day visit to Chhattisgarh, which began on August 23, also included a visit to the Mahaprabhu Vallabhacharya Ashram in Raipur. Shah was accompanied by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai and Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma during his visit.
Shah’s visit underscores the government’s commitment to addressing regional issues and advancing security and development in Chhattisgarh.