India, March 30 -- Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday asserted that Maoist insurgency in India is on the verge of being completely eliminated, claiming that even its last stronghold, Bastar, is now firmly on the path of development.

Speaking in the Lok Sabha during a discussion on internal security, Shah said the country has effectively become "Naxal-free," with only a formal announcement pending.

He reiterated that the government had set a deadline of March 31 to eradicate Maoist violence nationwide.

Highlighting the transformation in Bastar, Shah said sustained efforts have led to significant improvements in basic infrastructure and welfare delivery.

He added that residents have been issued Aadhaar and ration cards and are now ...