Kumar Bahukhandi
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai addressing the Bastar Pandum program in Dantewada, Chhattisgarh-Photo- Prime Look
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said on Saturday April 5, 2025 that Bastar is changing now, and this change will be permanent. He expressed confidence that the people of Bastar now want freedom from Naxalism and want to move forward by joining the mainstream of development. He said that events like Bastar Pandum and Bastar Olympics are symbols of this public sentiment.
Dantwada: Chief Minister Sai while addressing the gathering said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah have resolved to eliminate Naxalism from the entire country by 31 March 2026. Due to the strong action of the security forces in Chhattisgarh, continuous success is being achieved. Chief Minister Sai expressed hope that this resolution will definitely be fulfilled with the blessings of Maa Danteshwari.
Bastar: Confluence of natural beauty and cultural heritage
Chief Minister Sai said that Bastar is a natural paradise – there are many waterfalls and dense forests of Abujhmad. Tourists from the country and the world will come here again and Bastar will get its glorious place. The participation of 47 thousand artists in Bastar Pandum and 1.65 lakh youth in Bastar Olympics is the biggest testimony of this change.
Bastar Pandum became a symbol of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’
Chief Minister Sai said that Bastar Pandum has realised the dream of Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’. 47 thousand artists from 6 neighboring states like Odisha, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh participated in this event. There was a live display of tribal culture, costumes, food and traditions in this festival.
Double engine government’s schemes are changing lives
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said that for the last 15 months, there is a double engine government in the state. Modi’s guarantee is being fulfilled through schemes like Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, schemes related to farmers, and Mahtari Vandan Yojana giving Rs 1000 every month to 70 lakh mothers and sisters.
New life to tribal communities through Pradhan Mantri Janman Yojana
Chief Minister Sai said that through PM Janman Yojana started by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, roads, electricity, water and other facilities are being provided to special backward tribes like Abujhmariya, Korwa, Birhor and Pando.
Dharti Aba Gram Utkarsh Yojana: Historic initiative of Rs 80,000 crore
Chief Minister Sai said that under the Dharti Aba Gram Utkarsh Yojana, all-round development will take place in 6,500 tribal villages of Chhattisgarh. This scheme is a big step towards rural prosperity and social justice.
Niyad Nellnar Yojana: A journey from security to service
Chief Minister Sai said that security camps have been opened in more than 100 villages. Facilities like roads, electricity, water, ration cards, Ayushman cards, and schools and hospitals are being provided through these camps. He said that where earlier there used to be the sound of bullets, now the school bell is ringing there.
Future of Chhattisgarh: Prosperity, education and peace
Chief Minister Sai expressed confidence that soon Chhattisgarh will be free from Naxalism and will be recognised as a developed, prosperous state. Happiness and prosperity will come to every home.
Bastar Pandum: Festival of Cultural Harmony
Chief Minister Sai further said that the Bastar Pandum event lasted for 45 days and was organised from block to division level. Chief Minister Sai congratulated and wished all the artists involved in this event. Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai said that Bastar is changing, and this change is the result of the efforts of the government as well as the trust of the public.
Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma while addressing the gathering said that Union Home Minister Amit Shah does not make policies only from Delhi, he himself comes here to feel the pain of Bastar, meets the victims, eats with them. This is a proof of true sympathy and commitment towards Bastar. He described Chief Minister Sai as the first tribal Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh and connected to the soil of Bastar and said that under his leadership, facilities like roads, electricity, water, mobile towers, schools, hospitals, Anganwadi, irrigation are reaching every village at a rapid pace.
Deputy Chief Minister Arun Saw in his address said that a live tableau of the tribal society’s clothing, musical instruments, food, folk songs, traditional lifestyle was presented in Bastar Pandum, which has also got a place in the Golden Book of World Records. This is a matter of pride for the entire state.
Agriculture Minister Ramvichar Netam in his address said that this day is a day of creating history for Bastar. Thanking the central leadership, Netam said that under their guidance, the promises of the Jan Ghoshna Patra are being turned into reality and efforts are being made to bring the tribal society into the mainstream.
Local public representatives, officials and a large number of dignitaries were present on the occasion.
