Raipur, April 1 -- Chief minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Tuesday said that Chhattisgarh is now "free" of Naxalism, describing March 31, the deadline set by the Centre to eliminate Maoist violence, as a historic day for the state once considered a stronghold of Left-wing extremism. Speaking on the sidelines of a programme in Raipur, Sai credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union home minister Amit Shah for what he called decisive leadership in combating the insurgency, which he said had long hindered development in the region. "Today, marks a truly historic day for Chhattisgarh as Naxalism is being eliminated from the state. On behalf of the three crore people of Chhattisgarh, we extend our gratitude to Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah," Sai said. The Centre had set March 31, 2026, as the deadline to eradicate Naxal violence across the country. Highlighting the transformation in Bastar, once the epicentre of Maoist activity, Sai said the region - which remained largely untouched by development for decades - is now poised for rapid progress, accusing Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of associating with the Naxals during his 'Bharat Jodo' yatra.P4...