Raipur, November 01: Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya inaugurated the three-day Chhattisgarh Rajyotsav 2026 celebrations in Raipur on Sunday, stating that a developed Chhattisgarh will provide vital momentum towards achieving the vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047.

Addressing the gathering at the state foundation day event, Union Minister Mandaviya noted that resource-rich states like Chhattisgarh play a crucial role in fulfilling Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s roadmap for a developed nation. He praised the state’s progress under Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, highlighting rapid advancements in public welfare initiatives, infrastructure expansion, industrial investment, and employment generation.

Union Minister Mandaviya inaugurated the festival by offering floral tributes to Chhattisgarh Maatari and lighting the ceremonial lamp.

Recalling the contribution of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Union Minister Mandaviya said the late leader laid a strong foundation for the state to honour local aspirations. He added that Bastar, once primarily associated with Naxalite violence, is now emerging as a hub for sports, tourism, culture, and economic development, with local youth achieving recognition at national and international levels.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai greeted citizens and extended gratitude to former Prime Minister Vajpayee for fulfilling the promise of creating Chhattisgarh on 1 November 2000. He reflected on the state’s journey over the past 24 years, overcoming initial deficits in roads, power, education, and healthcare.

Chief Minister Sai credited the joint leadership of Prime Minister Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, alongside security personnel and local communities, for decisive successes in eliminating Naxalism. He reiterated his government’s resolve to bring basic amenities—such as roads, electricity, healthcare, and telecommunication—to the most remote villages of Bastar while connecting local youth with education and skill-building opportunities.

Highlighting governance milestones under the ‘Modi Ki Guarantee’ framework, Chief Minister Sai stated that around 1,600 permanent houses are being constructed daily across the state under the PM Awas Yojana.

On agricultural support, Chief Minister Sai noted that paddy procurement is underway at ₹3,100 per quintal up to 21 quintals per acre, alongside cleared bonus payments. He also highlighted that the Mahtari Vandan Yojana provides monthly financial assistance to over 68 lakh women, while the Charan Paduka scheme has been restarted and landless agricultural labourers receive ₹10,000 annually.

Additionally, Chief Minister Sai shared that over 50,000 devotees have visited Ayodhya under the Shri Ramlala Darshan Yojana, and health infrastructure has grown to 21 medical colleges across public and private sectors.

Culture Minister Rajesh Agrawal outlined efforts to preserve local traditions, noting the institution of a state award in memory of the late Pandavani maestro Teejan Bai. He emphasised that expanding tourism hubs like Chitrakote Falls, Sirpur, Rajim, Ramgarh caves, and Mainpat will generate widespread employment for youth and local artisans.

The inaugural event was attended by Union Minister of State Tokhan Sahu, Deputy Chief Ministers Arun Sao and Vijay Sharma, state ministers, parliamentarians, and senior administration officials.