Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai and State Minister for Steel and Heavy Industries B. Srinivasa Varma unveil a bronze statue of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee at Rajamahendravaramn on Sunday. | Photo credit: BY ARRANGEMENT
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Sunday said the state will move towards Vikasit Chhattisgarh as the ongoing anti-Naxal operations led by the Center are likely to wipe out the Maoists from the region soon.
Addressing a public meeting after the unveiling of a statue of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee at Gorakshanapet in Rajamahendravaram, Mr. Vishnu Deo Sai said that Chhattisgarh continues to suffer from underdevelopment despite being rich in forests and mineral resources due to left-wing extremism. He thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for their commitment and support in eradicating Maoist violence.
The Chief Minister accompanied by Minister of State for Steel and Heavy Industries B. Srinivasa Varma and Andhra Pradesh BJP State President PVN Madhav unveiled the bronze statue as part of a commemorative programme.
Referring to Andhra Pradesh-Chhattisgarh relations, Mr. Vishnu Deo Sai said that the six-lane Raipur-Visakhapatnam Expressway will reduce the travel time between Raipur and Visakhapatnam by about five hours. The expressway is under construction and is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.
He said the administrative capital of Chhattisgarh was named Atal Nagar as a mark of respect to Vajpayee who was instrumental in the creation of the state. He added that the government had decided on December 25 to name 100 parks across Chhattisgarh after Vajpayee and ensure that every city has at least one street named after him. Recalling Vajpayee’s legacy, Mr. Vishnu Deo Sai said that the former Prime Minister created a unique ministry for tribal welfare.
Mr. Srinivasa Varma, Mr. Madhav and other BJP leaders said that Vajpayee’s belief that Andhera chhatega, suraj niklega, kamal khilega will continue to inspire the party.
Health Minister Satyakumar Yadav, Tourism and Culture Minister Kandula Durgesh, Rajamahendravaram MP D. Purandeswari, City MLA Adireddy Srinivas and other leaders participated in a cycle rally held as part of the Atal–Modi Suparipalana Yatra in the city.
Published – 21 Dec 2025 20:52 IST
