Kumar Bahukhandi
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai Hoisting a National Flag – Symbolic Image-Credit -Internet
Republic Day to be celebrated for the first time in 47 villages
Raipur: After decades of darkness due to Naxal violence in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar division, the light of peace, trust, and democracy is now visible. In 47 villages of Bijapur, Narayanpur, and Sukma districts of the Bastar division, which were long affected by Maoist insurgency and where celebrating national festivals was previously impossible, Republic Day will be celebrated for the first time this year on January 26th.
This occasion will be a testament to the restoration of democracy in the history of Bastar.
In the past two years, due to the coordinated strategy of the central and state governments, continuous action by security forces, and the cooperation of local villagers, the situation in the Bastar division is rapidly returning to normal. 59 new security camps have been established in Naxal-affected areas, ensuring an effective security and administrative presence in these villages.
As a result of these efforts, the 76th Republic Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm in 53 villages of Bastar last year, and now 47 more villages have joined this list where Republic Day will be celebrated for the first time this year.
The villages in Bijapur district where Republic Day will be celebrated for the first time include Pujarikanker, Gunjeparti, Bhimaram, Kasturipad, Tadpala Hills, Ulur, Chillamarka, Kadpatti, Pillur, Dodimarka, Sangameta, Todka, Kuppaguda, Gautapalli, Pallevaya, and Belnar villages. Similarly, Republic Day will be celebrated for the first time in the villages of Edjum, Idwaya, Ader, Kudmel, Konge, Sitram, Toke, Jatloor, Dhobe, Dodimarka, Padmeta, Lanka, Pariyadi, Kakur, Balebeda, Kodenar, Kodanar, Adingpar, Mandoda, Jatwar, and Wadapenda in Narayanpur district, and in the villages of Gogunda, Nagaram, Banjalwahi, Veeragangrel, Tumalbhatti, Maheta, Peddabodkel, Ursangal, Gundrajgundem, and Paliguda in Sukma district.
This change symbolises a historic transformation in these remote areas, where normal life and democratic activities were once disrupted due to Naxalite violence. More than 100 security camps have been established in the Bastar region. These camps have not only strengthened the security system but have also paved the way for development work. Basic facilities such as education, healthcare, roads, communication, and banking are now gradually reaching the villagers.
The continuous presence of security forces and the administration has strengthened the sense of security among the local citizens. In areas where celebrating national festivals was previously prohibited, villagers are now enthusiastically coming forward to hoist the tricolor and participate in cultural programs.
This change is a significant achievement in freeing Bastar from the fear of Maoism.
Along with security, the state government is now focusing on ensuring sustainable development in the region. Schools and Anganwadis are being operated, banks are being established, mobile towers are being installed, roads are being constructed, and the benefits of various welfare schemes are being extended to the villagers. Recently, banking facilities have resumed in the Naxal-affected area of Jagargunda.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai says that where development was once stalled due to Naxalite violence, the government of good governance is now connecting Bastar to the mainstream of development. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the guidance of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the Chhattisgarh government is leading Bastar towards a new era of development and trust, freeing it from the fear of Maoism.
The tricolor flag, which will be hoisted for the first time in these 47 villages of Bastar on Republic Day 2026, will not only be a celebration of the national festival but will also send a powerful message of the triumph of peace, democracy, and development.
