Kumar Bahukhandi
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has said that Bastar’s development will be shaped by the aspirations and interests of its people, rejecting claims that the campaign against Naxalism is intended to clear the way for large industries. He said agriculture, tourism, animal husbandry and locally driven livelihood opportunities would remain important pillars of the region’s development-Photo Credit :channel24india.com (File Photo ) .
Chief Minister rejects claims that the fight against Naxalism is intended to clear the way for big industries; says local aspirations, livelihoods and Bastar’s distinctive identity will remain central to development
Raipur: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has made a categorical statement on the future of Bastar, asserting that the region’s development will be shaped by the aspirations of its own people and not imposed upon them here on Sunday , September 6, 2026 .
Speaking on Bastar’s future, the fight against Naxalism and concerns being raised over the development model for the region, Sai said the interests and wishes of local communities would remain paramount.
“Bastar will develop the way its people want it to develop. The people of Bastar need not have any confusion about this. The government will move forward in the direction they choose,” Sai said.
Key Highlights
- CM Sai says Bastar’s people will determine the direction of the region’s development.
- Rejects the claim that defeating Naxalism is intended to make way for large industries.
- Says agriculture, tourism, animal husbandry and locally appropriate livelihood opportunities will be strengthened.
- Appeals to people to remain cautious of what he described as attempts to create a new misleading narrative about Bastar.
- Says peace is opening opportunities for development to reach previously inaccessible and remote areas.
- Education, employment and self-employment opportunities for local youth remain a priority.
- On his bond with women of the State, Sai says being called ‘Vishnu Bhaiya’ is a privilege and source of inspiration.
- Says the service, safety, dignity and economic empowerment of women remain a personal and governmental commitment.
‘No Question of Clearing Bastar for Big Industries’
Sai said decades of Naxal violence had prevented Bastar from fully participating in Chhattisgarh’s development journey. With the fight against Naxalism now reaching what he described as a decisive stage, a new environment of peace and development was emerging across the region.
Against this backdrop, the Chief Minister rejected suggestions that the government’s campaign against Naxalism was ultimately intended to facilitate the entry of major industries into Bastar.
“Some people are trying to create confusion among the people of Bastar by suggesting that the objective behind eliminating Naxalism is to prepare the way for big industries. That is absolutely not the case,” Sai said.
He stressed that Bastar’s future would be decided according to the wishes and expectations of its people.
“The aspirations and interests of the local people are paramount. Bastar’s future will be shaped in accordance with what its people want,” the Chief Minister said.
Warning Against ‘New Narratives’ on Bastar
Sai also cautioned against what he described as attempts to create a new narrative after the weakening of Naxalism in the region.
He alleged that those who had not stood with the fight against Naxalism, or had directly or indirectly supported it, were now attempting to create confusion among local communities.
“The people of Bastar are aware and understand such misleading attempts very well. Our objective is to bring prosperity into their lives by developing Bastar’s natural, cultural and economic potential,” Sai said.
The statement assumes significance because the debate over Bastar’s development is closely connected with questions of local livelihoods, natural resources, tribal culture and the kind of economic opportunities that should follow improved security.
Sai sought to position local consent and aspirations at the centre of that process.
Agriculture, Tourism and Local Livelihoods to Drive Development
The Chief Minister said the government was working to strengthen agriculture, promote animal husbandry and transform Bastar’s considerable tourism potential into economic opportunities.
Improved peace and security, he said, were also enabling development initiatives to reach remote areas and creating new possibilities in education, employment and self-employment for young people.
“Our effort is that Bastar should reach new heights of development while preserving its distinctive identity and rich culture,” Sai said.
The emphasis, according to the Chief Minister, would be on a development model that uses the region’s own strengths while ensuring that local communities benefit from economic change.
‘Being Called Vishnu Bhaiya Is My Great Fortune’
Sai also spoke about his relationship with women across Chhattisgarh and the affectionate use of ‘Vishnu Bhaiya’ for him.
He described the relationship in personal terms, saying the affection and blessings he received from women across the State motivated him in public life.
“The sisters of Chhattisgarh call me ‘Bhaiya’ and consider me a member of their family. What greater fortune could there be for me? Their affection and blessings constantly inspire me to serve the people,” Sai said.
He said that as a brother, he considered the service and security of women and bringing greater happiness into their lives an important responsibility.
“As a brother, I am always committed to the service and security of the sisters of our State and to bringing happiness into their lives,” the Chief Minister said.
Sai said the government was working to make women economically stronger and more self-reliant while protecting their dignity, self-respect and security.
‘People’s Trust Is My Greatest Strength’
Bringing together his remarks on Bastar and women’s empowerment, Sai said public trust must remain at the heart of governance.
“The trust and affection of the people are my greatest strength. Every policy and every decision of our government has the interests of the people of Chhattisgarh at its centre,” Sai said.
His statement presented Bastar’s development as part of a broader governance approach in which local participation, respect for community aspirations and delivery of benefits to the last person would remain central.
For Bastar in particular, the Chief Minister’s message was unambiguous: the end of violence should bring development, but the people of Bastar themselves must have a defining voice in what that development looks like.
