Amit Shah Announces Decadal Census and Vows End to Naxalism by 2026

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, during a press conference in Raipur, announced that the delayed decadal census will take place at an appropriate time. He also discussed the government's fight against Naxalism, asserting that the country will be free from this issue by March 2026.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah held a press conference in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, on Saturday, announcing that the delayed decadal census would occur at an appropriate time. Shah assured that the details, including the timing, will be disclosed once they are finalized.

"It will be done at the appropriate time... once decided, I will announce how it will happen and when it will happen," Shah stated. This comes after the census, initially planned for 2021, has yet to begin.

Shah also addressed the government's efforts to combat Naxalism during the conference, affirming that the nation will be liberated from Naxalism by March 2026. "In the first 10 years, 6617 security personnel and citizens were killed and now there has been a 70 percent reduction. Similarly, we have witnessed a 69 percent reduction in the deaths of citizens. I believe that our fight has reached the end phase and by March 2026, we will be able to free the country completely from Naxalism," he added.

Engaging in an inter-state coordination meeting with Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, Chief Secretaries, and Director Generals of Police of Chhattisgarh and neighboring states, Shah assessed anti-Naxalism measures and infrastructure projects in Red corridor regions across nine states troubled by Left Wing Extremism (LWE).

"This meeting focused on achieving 100% saturation of Central and Chhattisgarh government schemes in Naxal-affected areas, advancing infrastructure projects, and overcoming challenges during such projects. The time has come to execute a final assault along with ruthless politics to tackle Leftism and Naxalism," Shah emphasized. On August 25, Shah is set to inaugurate the Raipur Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) office following a review meeting.

Notably, Shah is on a three-day visit to Chhattisgarh starting August 23, during which he visited Mahaprabhu Vallabhacharya Ashram in Raipur, accompanied by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai and Deputy CM Vijay Sharma.

(With inputs from agencies.)