Kumar Bahukhandi
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, wearing a traditional saffron turban, addresses the historic Rajshahi Dussehra celebration at Rainibhatha in Bilaigarh, Sarangarh–Bilaigarh district, on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, extending Vijayadashami greetings and announcing five major development initiatives, including an Additional Collector’s Office and a ₹3-crore Gaurav Path, while emphasising the victory of truth, righteousness and social harmony. Photo: channel24india.com via CGCMO
Additional Collector’s Office, ₹3-crore Gaurav Path, bridge, cremation ground and temple dome shed announced as Chief Minister celebrates Vijayadashami, highlights Lord Rama’s deep cultural connection with Chhattisgarh and reaffirms commitment to heritage, peace and development.
Key Highlights
- Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai attends the historic Rajshahi Dussehra festival at Rainibhatha in Bilaigarh, Sarangarh–Bilaigarh district, on October 21, 2026.
- Five major development initiatives announced to strengthen administrative services, road connectivity and public amenities.
- Additional Collector’s Office to be established in Bilaigarh to improve access to administrative services.
- ₹3-crore Gaurav Path to be constructed from the bus stand to the Higher Secondary School.
- Bridge on the road leading to Rajmahal, cremation ground in Ward No. 15 and dome shed near Maa Samlai Temple announced.
- CM Sai describes Vijayadashami as a festival celebrating the victory of truth, righteousness and justice over evil.
- Chief Minister highlights Chhattisgarh’s cultural association with Lord Rama and says more than 50,000 devotees have benefited from the Shri Ramlala Darshan Scheme.
- Government’s housing, railway connectivity and anti-Naxal initiatives highlighted as major steps towards a developed Chhattisgarh.
- CM Sai calls for preserving cultural traditions while expanding infrastructure, public services and economic opportunities.
Raipur: Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, announced five major development initiatives for Bilaigarh while participating in the historic Rajshahi Dussehra festival at Rainibhatha in Bilaigarh Nagar Panchayat of Sarangarh–Bilaigarh district. Extending Vijayadashami greetings to residents, the Chief Minister announced the establishment of an Additional Collector’s Office, construction of a ₹3-crore Gaurav Path from the bus stand to the Higher Secondary School, a bridge on the road leading to Rajmahal, a cremation ground in Ward No. 15 and a dome shed near Maa Samlai Temple. Addressing the gathering, CM Sai described Vijayadashami as a timeless celebration of the triumph of truth, righteousness and justice over evil, urging people to overcome hatred, anger, greed and arrogance while strengthening love, harmony and brotherhood in society. He also reaffirmed his government’s commitment to preserving Chhattisgarh’s cultural heritage alongside infrastructure development, improved governance and economic progress.
Five Major Announcements to Strengthen Bilaigarh’s Infrastructure
The Chief Minister announced five development initiatives aimed at improving administrative accessibility, transport connectivity and essential civic amenities in Bilaigarh.
The proposed Additional Collector’s Office is expected to provide residents with easier access to administrative services and reduce the need to travel long distances for official work.
The ₹3-crore Gaurav Path, proposed between the bus stand and the Higher Secondary School, is intended to improve road connectivity while enhancing the town’s appearance.
The proposed bridge on the Rajmahal road will address local connectivity requirements, while the cremation ground in Ward No. 15 and the dome shed near Maa Samlai Temple will strengthen community facilities. CM Sai said:
“These development works will strengthen administrative services, urban infrastructure and public amenities in Bilaigarh. The Additional Collector’s Office will make it easier for residents to resolve administrative matters locally, while the Gaurav Path and other infrastructure projects will improve connectivity and address important community needs.”
He emphasised that development should respond to the practical requirements of residents and provide lasting benefits.
Rajshahi Dussehra Represents Bilaigarh’s Living Cultural Heritage
The Chief Minister began his address with devotional invocations to Lord Rama, Goddess Sita, Lord Hanuman, Maa Jagdamba, Bharat Mata and Chhattisgarh Mahtari.
He praised the historical significance of Bilaigarh’s Rajshahi Dussehra and appreciated the royal family for preserving the tradition over generations.
The festival, he said, reflects the region’s religious devotion, cultural continuity and collective identity.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai receives a floral welcome from local organisers during the historic Rajshahi Dussehra festival at Rainibhatha in Bilaigarh, Sarangarh–Bilaigarh district, on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, as the traditional celebration brings together residents and community representatives to honour the region’s cultural heritage and celebrate Vijayadashami.Photo: channel24india.com via CG/CMO
“Bilaigarh’s historic Rajshahi Dussehra is not merely a festival. It is a living expression of our rich cultural heritage, religious faith and social unity. The royal family has preserved this glorious tradition for generations, and the people of the region continue to participate in it with the same devotion and enthusiasm.”
The Chief Minister congratulated the royal family, the organising committee and residents for maintaining the historic celebration.
He also expressed gratitude for the warm reception extended to him during the programme.
Vijayadashami Teaches Us to Defeat the Evil Within: CM Sai
Addressing the spiritual significance of Vijayadashami, CM Sai said that the festival carries a universal message about the victory of righteousness over wrongdoing.
He recalled Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana as a symbol of the triumph of justice and moral values.
However, the Chief Minister emphasised that the true significance of the festival extends beyond the ceremonial burning of Ravana’s effigy.
“Vijayadashami conveys the eternal message of the victory of righteousness over unrighteousness, justice over injustice and truth over falsehood. Lord Rama defeated the arrogant and oppressive Ravana and established the supremacy of dharma.”
He urged people to reflect on their own conduct and overcome negative tendencies.
“Every year, we burn the effigy of Ravana, but the true meaning of Vijayadashami will be realised only when we also destroy the Ravana within us — lust, anger, pride, greed and arrogance. Lord Rama’s ideals inspire us to follow the path of dignity, duty, justice and public welfare.”
The Chief Minister said that strengthening mutual respect, compassion and social harmony was the most meaningful way to celebrate the festival.
“The real message of this great festival is to strengthen love, goodwill and brotherhood in society. We must overcome our inner weaknesses and move forward together with harmony and mutual respect.”
Chhattisgarh Shares an Ancient and Emotional Bond with Lord Rama
Chief Minister Sai highlighted the deep cultural and spiritual relationship between Lord Rama and Chhattisgarh.
He said the state is traditionally regarded as the birthplace of Mata Kaushalya and the maternal home of Lord Rama.
According to the region’s religious traditions, Lord Rama spent a considerable part of his exile in the Dandakaranya region.
The Chief Minister referred to Shivrinarayan, associated with the devotion of Mata Shabari, and Rajim, known for its sacred Triveni Sangam, as important symbols of Chhattisgarh’s spiritual heritage.
“The relationship between Lord Rama and Chhattisgarh is ancient, intimate and deeply rooted in our culture. Chhattisgarh is the birthplace of Mata Kaushalya and the maternal home of Lord Rama. During his exile, Lord Rama spent a long period in the Dandakaranya region.”
He also highlighted the distinctive tradition of worshipping Lord Rama as a nephew in Chhattisgarh.
“The unique tradition of revering Lord Rama as our nephew remains alive in the culture and everyday life of Chhattisgarh. This spiritual relationship is an inseparable part of our identity.”
The Chief Minister said that such traditions should be preserved and passed on to future generations.
More Than 50,000 Devotees Have Visited Ayodhya Under Shri Ramlala Darshan Scheme
Referring to the consecration of Shri Ramlala at the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya, the Chief Minister described the occasion as a moment of immense happiness and pride for devotees across India, particularly in Chhattisgarh.
He said that the state government had launched the Shri Ramlala Darshan Scheme to help devotees fulfil their long-standing wish to visit Ayodhya.
“After a wait of nearly five centuries, the consecration of Shri Ramlala in Ayodhya was an occasion of immense joy and pride for the entire country and especially for Chhattisgarh. Keeping the faith of our people in mind, our government launched the Shri Ramlala Darshan Scheme.”
According to the Chief Minister, more than 50,000 devotees from Chhattisgarh have so far visited Ayodhya under the government-supported pilgrimage initiative.
The scheme provides eligible devotees with an opportunity to undertake the pilgrimage at government expense.
The Chief Minister said that the initiative was helping strengthen the cultural and spiritual connection between Chhattisgarh and Ayodhya.
Government Working to Fulfil Modi’s Guarantees
CM Sai said that Chhattisgarh was advancing towards improved governance and development under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
He reaffirmed that his government remained committed to implementing the promises made to the people.
“Our government is determined to ensure that the benefits of development reach every region and every family in Chhattisgarh. We are working rapidly to fulfil the commitments made to the people under Modi’s guarantees.”
He said that the government’s development approach placed villages, poor families, farmers, young people and women at the centre of public policy.
The objective, he explained, was not simply to create infrastructure but to bring meaningful improvements to the everyday lives of citizens.
Housing for 18 Lakh Families Among Government’s Major Decisions
The Chief Minister recalled that the state cabinet, at its first meeting after the formation of the government, approved a decision concerning housing for 18 lakh poor families under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana.
He said that housing construction had accelerated with support from the Union Government.
According to CM Sai, approximately 1,600 houses were being constructed daily in the state.
He described housing as an essential component of improving the living standards and dignity of economically disadvantaged families.
The Chief Minister also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to farmers, describing Chhattisgarh as the rice bowl of India.
He said that agricultural prosperity and rural development remained among the administration’s foremost priorities.
Bastar Witnessing a New Era of Peace, Confidence and Development
Highlighting the progress achieved against Naxalism, CM Sai said that Bastar was undergoing an important transformation.
He described the region as naturally beautiful and rich in forest and mineral resources, but said that prolonged Naxal violence had prevented it from fully realising its development potential.
The Chief Minister credited the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the guidance of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the courage of security forces and the cooperation of Bastar’s people for improvements in the situation.
“Bastar is blessed with extraordinary natural beauty and abundant forest and mineral resources. However, prolonged Naxal violence prevented the region from realising its full development potential. Today, circumstances are changing rapidly through the combined efforts of the government, security forces and the people.”
He said that improvements in peace and security were creating opportunities for expanding infrastructure and essential services.
“In Bastar, fear is giving way to confidence, violence is being replaced by peace, and despair is turning into new hope for development. With improving security, new doors are opening for roads, railways, education, healthcare and communication facilities.”
The Chief Minister emphasised that lasting peace and development must advance together to secure the region’s future.
Railway Expansion to Strengthen Connectivity and Economic Opportunities
CM Sai also highlighted recent railway development initiatives in Chhattisgarh.
He referred to the extension of railway connectivity towards Rowghat in Bastar and the introduction of passenger services connecting Raipur and Kurud.
He said that improved railway infrastructure would benefit remote communities and strengthen economic activity.
The Chief Minister noted that better connectivity could facilitate passenger movement, trade, industrial development, tourism and employment.
He credited the Union Government’s support for accelerating the expansion of modern railway infrastructure in the state.
The railway projects, he said, formed an important part of the broader effort to improve connectivity and bring development opportunities to previously underserved regions.
Heritage and Development Must Progress Together
Concluding his address, the Chief Minister emphasised that Chhattisgarh’s future must be built on a balance between preserving cultural traditions and expanding modern infrastructure.
He said that festivals such as Bilaigarh’s Rajshahi Dussehra represented an important part of the state’s identity and should continue to receive public support.
At the same time, roads, railways, housing, administrative facilities and other infrastructure projects were essential to improving people’s lives.
“Our government is moving forward by taking heritage and development together. On the one hand, we are preserving our glorious culture, traditions and centres of faith. On the other, we are strengthening the foundations of a developed Chhattisgarh through the expansion of roads, railways, housing and administrative infrastructure.”
He appealed to residents to follow Lord Rama’s ideals and contribute to the state’s development with unity, love and goodwill.
The Chief Minister expressed confidence that collective participation and a commitment to shared values would help Chhattisgarh achieve greater prosperity.
Bilaigarh’s Historic Celebration Marks a New Development Commitment
The Rajshahi Dussehra festival provided an occasion to celebrate Bilaigarh’s historical traditions while announcing important infrastructure initiatives for the town.
The proposed Additional Collector’s Office, ₹3-crore Gaurav Path, bridge, cremation ground and dome shed are expected to address administrative and civic requirements.
The Chief Minister’s participation also highlighted the importance of protecting local cultural traditions as the state pursues its broader development objectives.
For residents of Bilaigarh, the announcements represent new expectations for improved connectivity, accessible administrative services and stronger community infrastructure.
The occasion reinforced the state government’s stated commitment to combining cultural preservation with inclusive development as Chhattisgarh advances towards its long-term vision of prosperity.
