Kumar Bahukhandi
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai Attends Utkal Diwas and Annual Cultural Meet in Raigarh
Raipur: Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai attended the ‘Utkal Diwas and Annual Cultural Gathering’ organised by the Utkal Sanskritik Seva Samiti at Baba Priyadarshi Ram Auditorium in Raigarh on April 1, 2026 .
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said he had not come as a guest but “as a member of his extended family,” highlighting his long-standing association with the people of Raigarh. He recalled receiving their continuous support during his 20-year tenure as a Member of Parliament and expressed gratitude for the enduring affection.
Highlighting the deep-rooted cultural ties between Odisha and Chhattisgarh, he described their relationship as one of “shared heritage and emotional unity”. He noted that from Kunkuri in Jashpur to the border regions, a large population speaks Odia. Traditions such as Mahaprasad in Devbhog-Gariaband and Rath Yatra celebrations across the state reflect this cultural integration.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister released the community magazine Suvidha, which documents the society’s traditions, achievements, and contact details. He also announced financial assistance of Rs. 5 lakh for organising the Jagannath Rath Yatra.
Referring to governance achievements, he stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the state is delivering on “guarantees with measurable outcomes”. He informed that 18 lakh Pradhan Mantri Awas have been approved, with nearly 8 lakh houses completed in record time. Paddy procurement is being carried out at Rs. 3100 per quintal, while approximately 70 lakh women are benefiting from the Mahtari Vandan Yojana, contributing to “inclusive growth and financial empowerment”.
He further highlighted that around 42,000 pilgrims have visited Ayodhya under the Shri Ram Lala Darshan Yojana, offering citizens a “well-organised and accessible pilgrimage experience”. Additionally, the Mukhyamantri Tirth Darshan Yojana has been restarted to facilitate visits to various religious destinations.
Addressing law and order, he stated that strict legal provisions have been introduced against illegal religious conversions, ensuring “rule of law and social harmony”. On the issue of Left-Wing Extremism, he credited the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and security forces for significant progress. Under the ‘Niyad Nella Nar’ initiative, basic infrastructure such as roads, electricity, education, and healthcare is rapidly expanding in Bastar, bringing development to previously underserved regions.
The Chief Minister also highlighted employment generation, stating that 20,000 to 25,000 recruitments have been completed across departments in the past two years through a “transparent and merit-based system”. Reforms such as the implementation of e-office and high-level investigations into PSC irregularities are strengthening administrative transparency and accountability.
Emphasising the need for collective effort, he said that “cooperation of all communities is essential” to transform Chhattisgarh into a developed state. With abundant forest and mineral resources, the government is promoting value addition in forest produce to create self-employment opportunities and sustainable livelihoods.
He also announced the Mukhyamantri Electricity Bill Bhugtan Samadhan Yojana 2026, aimed at providing relief to consumers through easy instalment options and surcharge waivers.
During the event, the Chief Minister honoured eight talented individuals from the Utkal community for their achievements. The programme concluded with the presentation of a memento to the Chief Minister.
Jharsuguda MLA Tankadhar Tripathy, Raipur North MLA Purandar Mishra, Mayor Jeevardhan Chauhan, and several dignitaries and citizens were present.
