Prime Minister Modi's Diwali Address From Bastar, Chhattisgarh Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated Diwali with security personnel in Bastar, Chhattisgarh, on Sunday, extending his greetings to citizens across the country and highlighting what he described as India's victory in its decades-long battle against Naxalism and Maoist terror. Addressing the personnel at the CoBRA Operations Base in Karanpur, Modi said the 2026 Diwali was particularly special as it marked the first time in decades that every district in the country was free from Naxalism. "Diwali in 2026 is truly special. After 40–50 years, such a Diwali has come for you. This is the first Diwali when the country has won its decades-long battle against Naxalism and Maoist terror. This is the first Diwali when every district of the country is free from Naxalism. This is the first Diwali when crores of countrymen have overcome the fear of Naxalism," he said. The Prime Minister credited the achievement to the sacrifices and dedication of security personnel, adding that he had travelled to Bastar to celebrate the festival with them. "This is an extraordinary achievement, and a great deal of credit goes to you. It belongs to millions of brave men and women like you, our soldiers and security personnel. That is why I have come here today to celebrate Diwali with you," Modi said. The CoBRA Operations Base in Karanpur has served as a training centre and launch pad for anti-Naxal operations in the Bastar region and Abujhmad. Calling the security personnel members of his extended family, Modi said he had chosen to celebrate Diwali in the forests of Bastar, a region that had once been affected by Naxalism. "You are all a part of my family. This time, I have come to celebrate Diwali in the forests of Bastar. This is a land where the menace of Naxalism once prevailed. However, owing to your sacrifice and dedication, the menace of Naxalism has now ended in this very region, and a new wave of development has begun," he said. Modi also highlighted the significance of the festival as a time for families to come together, saying that those protecting the country's borders and maintaining security within the country were also part of his family. "Today, across the country and in every corner of the world, crores of Indians are celebrating the auspicious festival of lights. People are travelling from far and wide to return to their homes. It is a great occasion for families and loved ones to come together and celebrate. I too have arrived among you to celebrate Diwali. Those who protect the nation at the borders and within the country, the guardians of the nation and the brave sons and daughters of Mother India, all of you are my family members," he said. Modi also spoke about India's efforts to tackle poverty over the past 12 years, citing a World Bank report which, according to him, showed that around 500 million people in the country had moved out of extreme poverty. "Over the past 12 years, India has also fought a major battle against poverty. Just before Diwali, news emerged that has drawn attention across the world. The World Bank has reported that around 500 million people in India have moved out of extreme poverty. What could not be achieved over several decades has been accomplished in just 12 years," the Prime Minister said. Modi also highlighted what he described as a historic achievement for the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), saying that, for the first time in 47 years, not a single CRPF personnel had lost their life in the line of duty. "For the first time in 47 years, not a single CRPF personnel has lost their life in the line of duty. This has been made possible by your bravery, courage, determination and restraint. This achievement is a testament to your valour and sacrifice," the Prime Minister said. The Prime Minister also spoke about the Centre's approach towards tackling Naxalism, citing measures to disrupt funding networks and giving security forces greater operational freedom to respond to attacks. "For the sake of national security, we have taken one decisive step after another. Funding to Naxalites was cut off, helping curb their activities. Earlier, even when Naxalite attacks took place, security forces did not have the freedom to respond decisively. We gave our security forces that freedom to act and respond firmly," he said.