Raipur 5 April 2025: Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai, while addressing the Bastar Pandum Festival, said that Bastar is now changing, and this change will be permanent. He expressed confidence that the people of Bastar now want freedom from Naxalism and want to move forward by joining the mainstream of development. He said that events like Bastar Pandum and Bastar Olympics are symbols of this public sentiment. Decisive fight against Naxalism: Commitment of the Center and the State Chief Minister Sai said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah have resolved to eliminate Naxalism from the entire country by March 31, 2026. Due to the strong action of the security force personnel in Chhattisgarh, continuous success is being achieved. Chief Minister Sai expressed hope that with the blessings of Maa Danteshwari, this resolution will definitely be fulfilled. Bastar: A confluence of natural beauty and cultural heritage Chief Minister Sai said that Bastar is a natural paradise – there are many waterfalls and dense forests of Abujhmad. Tourists from the country and the world will come here again and Bastar will get its glorious place. The participation of 47 thousand artists in Bastar Pandum and 1.65 lakh youth in Bastar Olympics is the biggest testimony of this change. Bastar Pandum became a symbol of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ Chief Minister Sai said that Bastar Pandum has made Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s dream of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ come true. 47 thousand artists from 6 neighboring states like Odisha, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh participated in this event. There was a live display of tribal culture, costumes, food and traditions in this festival.
Double engine government’s schemes are changing lives Chief Minister Sai said that for the last 15 months, there is a double engine government in the state. Modi’s guarantee is being fulfilled through schemes like Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, schemes related to farmers, and Mahtari Vandan Yojana which gives Rs. 1000 every month to 70 lakh mothers and sisters. New life to tribal communities through Pradhan Mantri Janman Yojana Chief Minister Sai said that through the PM Janman Yojana launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, roads, electricity, water and other facilities are being provided to special backward tribes like Abujhmaria, Korwa, Birhor, Pando. Dharti Aba Gram Utkarsh Yojana: Historical initiative of Rs 80,000 crore Chief Minister Sai said that under the Dharti Aba Gram Utkarsh Yojana, there will be all-round development in 6,500 tribal villages of Chhattisgarh. This scheme is a big step towards rural prosperity and social justice.
Niyad Nellanar Yojana: Journey from security to service Chief Minister Sai informed that security camps have been opened in more than 100 villages. Facilities like road, electricity, water, ration card, Ayushman card, and school-hospital are being provided through these camps. He said that where earlier the sound of bullets was heard, now the school bell is ringing there. Chhattisgarh’s future: prosperity, education and peace Chief Minister Sai expressed confidence that Chhattisgarh will soon be Naxal-free and will be recognized as a developed, prosperous state. There will be prosperity and happiness in every home. Bastar Pandum: Festival of Cultural Harmony Chief Minister Sai said that the Bastar Pandum event lasted for 45 days and was organized from block to division level. Chief Minister Sai congratulated and wished all the artists involved in this event. Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai said that Bastar is changing, and this change is the result of the efforts of the government as well as the trust of the people.
Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma said that Union Home Minister Amit Shah does not only make policies from Delhi, he himself comes here to feel the pain of Bastar, meets the victims, eats with them. This is a proof of true sympathy and commitment towards Bastar. He described Chief Minister Sai as the first tribal Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh and connected to the soil of Bastar and said that under his leadership, facilities like roads, electricity, water, mobile towers, schools, hospitals, Anganwadi, irrigation are reaching every village at a rapid pace. Deputy Chief Minister Arun Saw said that a live tableau of tribal society’s clothing, musical instruments, food, folk songs, traditional lifestyle was presented in Bastar Pandum, which has also got a place in the Golden Book of World Records. This is a matter of pride for the entire state. Agriculture Minister Ramvichar Netam said that this day is a day of creating history for Bastar. Thanking the central leadership, he said that under their guidance, the promises of the Jan Ghoshna Patra are being converted into reality and efforts are being made to bring the tribal society into the mainstream. Local public representatives, officials and a large number of dignitaries were present on this occasion.