On the auspicious and historic occasion of Deepawali, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Bastar in the state of Chhattisgarh. Continuing his glorious and long-standing tradition of celebrating Diwali with the nation's security forces, Prime Minister Modi on Sunday participated in various celebrations with brave security personnel deployed in anti-Naxal operations in Bastar. During his visit, he specifically highlighted the historic and unprecedented transformation in this region, which was once considered the major stronghold of Naxals, while reaching the sacred land of Bastar, the Prime Minister was welcomed with immense warmth and enthusiasm. Amid loud chants of Bharat Mata Ki Jai, the jawans accorded a rousing reception to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Upon reaching there, PM Modi bowed with utmost reverence to the sacrifice, penance, and dedication of the jawans guarding the nation. From the soil of Bastar, Prime Minister Modi once again launched a scathing attack on ideological Naxals and Maoist terror.
During his visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid a special visit to the CoBRA Operations Base located in Karanpur. At the base, he visited the camp memorial and paid heartfelt tributes to the valiant CRPF martyrs who laid down their lives in the line of duty. In the joyful and spirited atmosphere of the festivities, security personnel gathered around Prime Minister Modi and danced with enthusiasm to the tunes of traditional tribal songs, while in an area that was once considered the primary stronghold of Naxals, security forces celebrated the festival of lights alongside the Prime Minister, and the entire camp echoed with continuous chants of Bharat Mata Ki Jai. Prime Minister Modi not only celebrated Diwali with the jawans but also personally offered them sweets. Finding Prime Minister Modi right in their midst and celebrating the festival with them filled the jawans with immense joy and high spirits.
Addressing all the security personnel present at the camp, the Prime Minister stated in his address that the Diwali of the year 2026 is particularly significant because every single district in the country has now become completely free from Naxalism, and crores of citizens have left behind the fear associated with Maoist violence. Emphasizing the deep importance of celebrating festivals with security personnel, Prime Minister Modi said that he has come specifically to celebrate Diwali with them. He described those who guard the nation's borders and protect citizens within the country as members of his own family. The Prime Minister further stated that today, across the entire country and in every corner of the world, crores of Indians are celebrating this holy festival of lights. People are traveling from far and wide to return to their homes. This is a wonderful occasion for families and loved ones to come together and celebrate. The Prime Minister added that he too has come among them to celebrate Diwali, noting that all those who protect the nation are a part of his own family.
Prime Minister Modi emphasized while interacting with the jawans that this Diwali is truly special. He noted that after a long span of forty to fifty years, such a Diwali has come for them. This is the very first Diwali when the country has completely won its decades-old battle against Naxalism and Maoist terror. This is the first Diwali when every district in the country is completely free from Naxalism, while this is an extraordinary achievement in the history of national security, and that's why he came to Bastar today to celebrate Diwali with them. The Prime Minister's visit and his inspiring remarks Importantly boosted the morale of all the CoBRA and CRPF jawans stationed at the Karanpur camp in Bastar. The photographs and videos captured during this historic occasion have become a major talking point across the country, with citizens widely praising the Prime Minister's gesture of spending Diwali with the frontline troops.