Raipur, April 1 -- Chattisgarh chief minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Tuesday asserted that Chhattisgarh is now "free of Naxalism:, referring to the March 31 deadline set by the Centre to eliminate Maoist violence as a historic day for a state once considered a stronghold of Left-wing extremism. Speaking on the sidelines of a programme held in Raipur, Sai credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union home minister Amit Shah for what he called decisive leadership in fighting the insurgency, which he said had long hindered development in the region. "On behalf of the three crore people of Chhattisgarh, we extend our gratitude to Prime Minister Modi and home minister Amit Shah," Sai said. Highlighting the transformation in Bastar, once the epicentre of Maoist activity, Sai said the region is now poised for rapid progress. Sai accused Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of associating with Left-wing elements during his yatra. Sai also targeted the previous Congress government over its handling of the Jhiram Ghati attack. The 2013 attack on a Congress convoy during a political rally had killed 32 people, including former state chief Nand Kumar Patel, Salwa Judum leader Mahendra Karma, and former external affairs minister V C Shukla....