Raipur, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai stated that the development of the Bastar region is among the state government’s highest priorities. He said the progress in providing basic amenities is accelerating alongside the elimination of Naxalism, positioning Bastar for strong developmental growth.

Sai was addressing the closing ceremony of the Bastar Olympics 2025 in Jagdalpur on Saturday.

Chief Minister Sai acknowledged that while Chhattisgarh is a resourceful state, the issue of Maoism has historically posed a significant obstacle to its development. He credited the firm resolve of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for setting a clear deadline for the end of Maoism in the state.

He informed that the scope of the Niyad Nella Nar scheme has been extended from a five-kilometre radius to ten kilometres. This expansion is quickly delivering electricity, drinking water, healthcare, and education facilities, along with other basic amenities, to 403 villages across the region.

Sai further stated that schools previously shut due to Maoist activity are now reopening. A wide network of roads is being developed to connect interior areas, providing better transportation facilities. In villages freed from Maoism, the government is working to achieve the full saturation of public welfare schemes. These positive efforts, he said, are steadily increasing public trust in the development process.

The Chief Minister congratulated all participants of the Bastar Olympics, encouraging them to deliver even better performances in the coming year.

On the occasion, Assembly Speaker Dr Raman Singh expressed confidence that Naxalism would be completely eradicated by March 31, 2026, paving the way for a prosperous Bastar. Dr Singh asserted that Bastar is now making “a new history” for the country.

Deputy Chief Ministers Arun Sao and Vijay Sharma also addressed the gathering, congratulating the players on the successful organisation of the Bastar Olympics. Jagdalpur MLA Kiran Dev delivered the welcome address, while MP Mahesh Kashyap extended the vote of thanks at the conclusion of the ceremony.

The event was attended by Cabinet Minister Kedar Kashyap, MP Bhojraj Nag, Vice-Chairperson of the Bastar Area Tribal Development Authority Lata Usendi, MLAs Vikram Usendi, Neelkanth Tekam, Vinayak Goyal, and Asharam Netam, along with Mayor of Jagdalpur Municipal Corporation Sanjay Pandey, and numerous other dignitaries, public representatives, and sports enthusiasts.