Raipur, August 16, 2026 | Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai paid respectful tribute today to the revered former Prime Minister and Bharat Ratna, the late Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, by offering floral tributes at his statue within the Chief Minister’s residence complex in the capital, Raipur. Chief Minister Shri Sai recalled Atal Ji’s towering personality, his service to the nation, and his historic contribution to the creation of Chhattisgarh. Shri Anurag Singhdeo, Chairman of the Chhattisgarh Housing and Infrastructure Development Board, was also present on this occasion.
Chief Minister Shri Sai stated that the revered Atal Ji was the architect of Chhattisgarh and a great national leader who respected the sentiments of the state’s people. The creation of the state of Chhattisgarh was the result of his visionary leadership, firm resolve, and empathetic outlook. He understood the region’s geographical uniqueness, its developmental needs, and the long-standing public aspiration for a separate state, eventually realizing this vision during his tenure as Prime Minister. His historic decision to grant Chhattisgarh the identity of a separate state will forever be inscribed in golden letters in the state’s history.
Chief Minister Shri Sai remarked that Atal Ji’s bond with Chhattisgarh was not merely political but deeply personal and emotional; he held a special affection for the region and its people. Sharing his personal memories, Shri Sai mentioned that he was fortunate enough to receive Atal Ji’s affection, blessings, and guidance. Many cherished memories associated with him remain vivid in his mind to this day. Atal Ji’s affection and guidance remain among his most invaluable memories, continuously inspiring him on the path of public service.
Atal Ji was a symbol of sensitivity, dialogue, and democratic values in politics.
Chief Minister Shri Sai noted that the revered Atal Ji possessed a multifaceted personality. He left an indelible mark on the Indian public consciousness as a sensitive poet, an astute journalist, a powerful orator, and a visionary statesman. He was a universally respected leader who transcended party lines to earn the regard and affection of people from all walks of life. Humility, sensitivity, and a spirit of dialogue, combined with ideological steadfastness, were the hallmarks of his public life. National interest was always paramount to him, and serving ‘Mother India’ (Maa Bharati) was the supreme mission of his life.
Making the upliftment of villages, the poor, farmers, and tribal society the foundation of development
Chief Minister Shri Sai stated that by making good governance and Antyodaya (upliftment of the last person) the basis of administration, Atal Ji established a legacy of development that continues to guide the nation today. The historic initiative to connect villages via roads through the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana gave new momentum to the socio-economic development of rural India. The measures he took for the welfare of farmers and the strengthening of the rural economy had a far-reaching impact.
The Chief Minister noted that a separate Ministry of Tribal Affairs was constituted during Atal Ji’s tenure, prioritizing the holistic development of tribal society at the national level. This decision reflected his sensitivity towards the development, rights, and aspirations of tribal communities. He undertook numerous visionary initiatives to bring the fruits of mainstream development to villages, the poor, farmers, tribal societies, and marginalized sections of society.
Chhattisgarh advancing on the path of Atal Ji’s good governance and Antyodaya
Chief Minister Shri Sai stated that it is the collective responsibility of all to make the Chhattisgarh—whose foundation stone was laid by Atal Ji—prosperous, developed, and self-reliant. His government is committed to extending the benefits of development to the last person in the state, while embracing Atal Ji’s values of good governance, Antyodaya, and public welfare.
He remarked that Chhattisgarh is currently scripting new chapters of development and good governance. Every effort of the government is focused on bringing positive change to the lives of villagers, the poor, farmers, the youth, women, and tribal communities, and on realizing the resolve to build a developed Chhattisgarh.
Chief Minister Shri Sai said that the life, thoughts, and exemplary leadership of the revered Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ji will always remain a source of inspiration for the nation and the state. His contribution as the architect of Chhattisgarh can never be forgotten. Building a prosperous and developed Chhattisgarh, in accordance with his vision, is the true tribute we can pay to him.
