Kumar Bahukhandi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi (left) and Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai hold a commemorative memento during an earlier programme. Modi extended State Foundation Day greetings to the people of Chhattisgarh through a letter to Sai on Sunday, November 1, 2026. File photo: Credit DD News
In his letter, the Prime Minister recalls his longstanding association with the state, highlights welfare and infrastructure initiatives, and backs ‘Anjor Vision’ for a developed Chhattisgarh
Key Highlights
- Modi extends State Foundation Day greetings to Chhattisgarh’s people through a letter to Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai.
- Credits security forces and local communities for the transformation of areas affected by Maoist violence.
- Highlights railway projects worth over ₹51,000 crore and expanding road and air connectivity.
- Cites welfare measures supporting farmers, women, tribal communities and young people.
- Describes Chhattisgarh’s cultural heritage and development ambitions as important contributions to a developed India.
Raipur: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has extended greetings to the people of Chhattisgarh on the state’s Foundation Day through a letter to Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, recalling his decades-long association with the region and highlighting changes in security, infrastructure and public welfare.
In the letter marking the occasion on Sunday, November 1, 2026, Modi expressed confidence that Chhattisgarh would play an important role in building a developed India. He referred to the state’s cultural traditions, the contribution of its people and the government’s ‘Anjor Vision’ document as foundations for its future progress.
A central theme of the letter was the transformation of Bastar and other areas affected by Maoist violence. The Prime Minister credited the courage of security personnel and the cooperation of local communities for the progress achieved.
“Areas that were identified as part of the Red Corridor until a few years ago are today becoming new centres of peace, trust and development,” Modi wrote.
Remembers Vajpayee’s Role in State Formation
Recalling the creation of Chhattisgarh 26 years ago, Modi paid tribute to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s leadership. He described statehood as a historic decision that fulfilled the aspirations of lakhs of people and opened a new chapter in the region’s development.
The Prime Minister also reflected on his personal association with Chhattisgarh, dating back to his organisational work when the region was part of undivided Madhya Pradesh.
His journeys from the forest areas of Surguja to Bastar, he noted, had provided opportunities to understand the state’s culture and everyday life closely. He described the simplicity, warmth, industriousness and vibrant traditions of its people as a continuing source of inspiration.
Modi also recalled his visit during Chhattisgarh’s silver jubilee celebrations last year and the inauguration of the new Legislative Assembly building.
Bastar’s Changing Landscape
Describing Naxalism as a longstanding obstacle to development, the Prime Minister said decisive success against it had created a more favourable environment for public services, connectivity and modern infrastructure.
He stated that the commitment to free Bastar from Maoist terror had been fulfilled through the determination of security forces and the support of residents.
The Bastar Olympics, he observed, reflected the changes taking place in the region and the opportunities opening up for local people.
The letter also highlighted initiatives such as Niyad Nellanar, the Livelihood Enhancement Scheme and Mukhyamantri Swasth Bastar, which, according to the Prime Minister, were connecting communities with essential facilities and new development opportunities.
He expressed pride in Bastar’s movement towards peace, good governance and prosperity.
Railway Projects Worth Over ₹51,000 Crore
The Prime Minister identified improved connectivity as a significant part of Chhattisgarh’s development journey.
Recalling that Delhi and Raipur were connected by only one daily flight around 25 years ago, he contrasted that situation with what he described as the state’s present network of four modern airports.
The letter stated that railway projects worth more than ₹51,000 crore were under way in Chhattisgarh. Modi also referred to the introduction of modern services such as Vande Bharat and Amrit Bharat trains.
On road connectivity, he said improvements had reduced the travel time between Raipur and Bilaspur by approximately half.
Expressways under construction to connect the state with economic centres such as Visakhapatnam and the Ranchi–Dhanbad region would further strengthen transport links, support industry and create employment opportunities, he added.
Guru Ghasidas’s Message of Equality
Modi invoked Sant Guru Ghasidas’s message, “Manखे-Manखे Ek Saman” — all human beings are equal, describing it as a guiding principle for the policies of the governments at the Centre and in the state.
He linked this philosophy to the commitment to ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’, emphasising progress for every section of society.
The Prime Minister cited the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, PM JANMAN and Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan as initiatives helping extend housing, roads, electricity, clean drinking water, education and healthcare to remote tribal areas.
According to the letter, these efforts had helped a substantial section of the population move out of poverty.
Food Security, Housing and Healthcare
Highlighting welfare delivery, Modi stated that 73 lakh families in Chhattisgarh were receiving free foodgrains through the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana and state government schemes.
He also cited the following achievements:
- Construction of more than 22 lakh permanent houses across rural and urban areas.
- Tap water connections reaching over 41 lakh rural households.
- Cooking gas connections provided to approximately 40 lakh families.
- Health coverage supported through nearly 2.5 crore Ayushman cards.
The Prime Minister maintained that the benefits were reaching eligible families transparently and described improving household living conditions as a central objective of the two governments.
Paddy Procurement Supporting Farmers
Acknowledging agriculture’s importance to the state’s economy, Modi said Chhattisgarh’s paddy procurement arrangements were helping more than 25 lakh farmers secure better prices for their produce.
He linked this support to stronger rural incomes and a more resilient village economy.
The letter also referred to changes in aspirational areas such as Dantewada following improvements in security. Initiatives including the Pradhan Mantri Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana, he said, were helping strengthen agriculture in these regions.
Education and Skills for Young People
Describing young people as one of Chhattisgarh’s greatest strengths, the Prime Minister highlighted the opportunities offered by institutions such as AIIMS, IIT, IIIT, IIM and NIFT.
He referred to PM-SETU and the Prime Minister’s Internship Scheme as measures supporting skill development and preparation for employment.
The letter also mentioned arrangements for primary education in Chhattisgarhi and local languages and dialects, including Gondi, Halbi and Surgujiha, in accordance with the National Education Policy.
These efforts, he indicated, would help connect educational opportunities with the linguistic and cultural backgrounds of children.
Mahtari Vandan Providing Financial Support
The Prime Minister acknowledged women’s contribution to the state’s progress and reiterated the government’s commitment to their empowerment.
He specifically highlighted the Mahtari Vandan Yojana, stating that more than 68 lakh women were receiving ₹1,000 each month directly into their bank accounts.
According to the letter, the assistance was strengthening women’s financial position and supporting their participation in family and community life.
Nava Raipur and New Industrial Opportunities
Modi expressed satisfaction over Nava Raipur’s emergence as a modern city and referred to technology-related projects being advanced in line with the IndiaAI Mission and the Semiconductor Mission.
He identified pharmaceuticals, textiles, information technology, power, aluminium and steel as sectors offering further opportunities for growth.
The All India Steel Conclave 2.0 and the Green Steel and Mining Summit held in Nava Raipur, he said, had strengthened Chhattisgarh’s standing in the country’s steel sector.
The Prime Minister attributed the state’s growth potential to the combined strength of its natural resources and talented young population.
Cultural Heritage Remains Central
The letter also celebrated Chhattisgarh’s spiritual and cultural identity, referring to its traditional association as the maternal homeland of Lord Ram and the birthplace of Sant Guru Ghasidas.
Modi acknowledged the influence of Kabirpanth’s egalitarian philosophy and described Padma Vibhushan Teejan Bai’s Pandavani tradition as an invaluable part of the state’s heritage.
Its folk arts, languages and tribal traditions, he observed, enriched India’s cultural diversity.
He emphasised the importance of carrying this heritage forward alongside economic and social development.
‘Anjor Vision’ for the Road Ahead
Concluding his letter, Modi expressed confidence in Chhattisgarh’s future and its contribution to the national goal of a developed India.
“The Chhattisgarh government’s vision document, ‘Anjor Vision’, is giving a new direction to the resolve of building a developed India through a developed Chhattisgarh,” the Prime Minister wrote.
He conveyed his hope that the state would accelerate its progress and bring further pride to the country and Chhattisgarh Mahatari through its achievements.
The Prime Minister renewed his State Foundation Day greetings to Chief Minister Sai and all the people of Chhattisgarh.
