Choosing reform over gun, former Maoists find seats in temple of democracy

Raipur: While assembly sessions are typically marked by fierce debates and political faceoffs across the aisle, the proceedings in the Chhattisgarh legislature on Friday stood out for a reason few would have anticipated.In a first for state's anti-Naxal campaign, combined with the push for reform and reconciliation of surrendered cadres, around 120 surrendered Maoists, including former Central Committee (CC) member Satish alias Rupesh, sat watching the proceedings inside the assembly on Friday, in what the government described as a symbolic pivot from insurgency to integration.The group, comprising 66 men and 54 women, observed events inside the House from the visitors' gallery during the Budget session, marking the first time that former cadres, who once picked up arms against the state, saw firsthand how democracy functions.Speaking to reporters, former CC member Rupesh, voiced mixed feelings over his first experience of the assembly and what goes on inside, saying, "I did attend the assembly session today (as a visitor) but can't comment on the experience. Though I am part of the Constitution, I am not open to contesting elections."Another cadre said most of the surrendered Maoists want to lead their lives away from the forests and uninhabitable terrains in peace. Chief minister Vishnu Deo Sai greeted the group with a traditional "Jai Johar", describing their visit as a sign of changing ground realities. "Those who have given up violence and chosen the path of the Constitution are welcome. Our priority is to ensure they live with dignity and earn respectable livelihoods," CM Sai said.Deputy Chief minister Vijay Sharma, who additionally heads the home department, and has been the driving force behind the reintegration outreach, called it a "historic moment". "Those who once rejected the Constitution are today sitting inside the temple of democracy and watching its processes. Youth who left the path of violence and returned to the Republic deserve respect," he said.The visit was part of a broader three-day exposure tour organised under the state's surrender and rehabilitation policy, largely focused on cadres from Bastar and other Left Wing Extremism-affected districts.Later, on Thursday evening, Sharma hosted the surrendered cadres at his residence, where they were welcomed with a red-carpet reception and dinner. The group was also taken to Nandan Van Jungle Safari as part of confidence-building efforts aimed at easing their transition into mainstream life. Officials said the minister interacted individually with several former cadres, taking stock of their rehabilitation status and current needs.During interactions, several rehabilitated cadres shared their experiences, saying witnessing the assembly proceedings from close quarters was inspiring as it strengthened their belief in democratic processes. Many said they now wished to work within the constitutional framework and encourage others still underground to return to the mainstream.Officials said over 2,500 Maoists have surrendered in recent years, with the state further intensifying both security operations and reintegration programmes as part of the broader push to make Chhattisgarh Maoist-free by March 2026, the deadline stipulated by the Centre to rid the country of Red Terror.The assembly visit, officials said, was intended to send a powerful message: that the doors of democracy remain open for those willing to abandon violence.