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In a recent reflection on Chhattisgarh’s 25-year journey since its formation, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai outlined his government’s strategy for achieving all-round development, asserting that the state is rapidly moving toward self-reliance. A central theme of his vision is the successful handling of Maoist insurgency and the integration of the sensitive Bastar region into the national mainstream.
Countering Maoism and Mainstreaming Bastar
Chief Minister Sai characterized the long-standing Naxalite movement in the state as being rooted in an “imported ideology,” one that advocates for seizing power through violence. He argued that this violent political philosophy is fundamentally at odds with the deeply ingrained, non-violent traditions of Indian and especially tribal culture.
According to the CM, the decades-long attempt by Maoists to establish parallel governance in Bastar has failed. He noted a significant decline in affected areas and a surge in surrenders among cadres who were forcibly recruited. Sai is confident that through a clear developmental roadmap, the regions of Bastar that lagged behind will soon fully integrate with the rest of the country. He cited maintaining control over Maoism and achieving peace as one of the state’s major accomplishments, promising to transform the region—which he described as a natural paradise of forests and waterfalls—through increased tourism and the promotion of home-stay facilities.
Economic Achievements and Future Growth
Reflecting on the state’s history, Sai highlighted the transformation from a time of widespread poverty and food scarcity. He credited former Chief Minister Raman Singh’s successful Public Distribution System (PDS) for eradicating starvation.
Under the guidance of the Prime Minister, the state is now focusing on economic self-reliance. Key achievements include becoming the nation’s second-largest power producer and seeing rapid expansion in steel and coal production. Furthermore, Chhattisgarh has taken a leap into the new tech economy by being the first state to successfully auction lithium blocks. The CM noted that Naya Raipur is being developed as Central India’s hub for technology and education, aiming to become a “Silicon Valley.” Looking ahead, priorities include improving irrigation facilities for farmers and boosting the industrial sector to create more job opportunities.
Addressing Conversion and Cultural Identity
The Chief Minister took a firm stance on religious conversion, describing it as a “social evil” that fundamentally “attacks cultural identity.” He expressed concern that such practices create social divisions and can lead to communal conflict. To tackle this, he announced that the government plans to introduce and pass stricter anti-conversion laws during the upcoming winter session, alongside efforts to raise social awareness and protect the religious beliefs of the populace.
Project Development and Rehabilitation
Addressing concerns from local villagers about large-scale projects like the Bodhghat, Nagarnar, or Army Maneuver Range, which often involve displacement, the CM acknowledged that insecurity and fear are natural responses. He assured that his government’s approach mandates planning for rehabilitation before any project proceeds. He stressed the importance of dialogue, including holding Gram Sabhas, to ensure that comprehensive and systematic rehabilitation plans are in place to satisfactorily resolve the concerns of the affected communities.
