Union Home Minister Amit Shah attended the concluding ceremony of Chhattisgarh Rajyotsav as the chief guest during his visit to the state. Addressing the gathering, he extended warm greetings to the people of Chhattisgarh, particularly recognizing the tribal community on the occasion. Reflecting on the formation of the state, he recalled that even though political forecasts indicated a Congress government would take office at the time, the creation of Chhattisgarh went ahead regardless of electoral calculations. Expressing collective gratitude on behalf of the public and the dais, he paid tribute to Atal Bihari Vajpayee for establishing the state.
Pledge for regional progress and eliminating extremism
Emphasizing the state's transition, Amit Shah stated that Chhattisgarh has freed itself from the clutches of Naxalism and is making steady strides toward all-round development. He affirmed that establishing a developed Chhattisgarh remains the primary goal. Questioning why discussions around the subject have subsided now that Naxalism has effectively ended, he pointed out that during the tenure of the previous Congress-led central government, no concerted efforts were made to root out the menace. In contrast, the current leadership took a firm pledge to eliminate extremism and successfully delivered on that objective.
Impact of violence and questions surrounding human rights
Highlighting the brutal legacy of extremist violence, the Union Home Minister recounted how young children who ought to have held pens for their education were abducted and forced into carrying firearms. He also noted tragic instances where individuals working to build paths for development were burned alive in front of their own families. Addressing individuals and groups that raise human rights concerns, he questioned whether human rights protections should be extended to those who choose to take up arms against civil society.
Cultural heritage, youth engagement and green initiatives
The Home Minister recalled that under the 15-year leadership of Raman Singh, extensive developmental initiatives were implemented across Chhattisgarh. During the ceremony, individuals who made outstanding contributions across various domains were formally honored. Touching upon regional culture, he noted that events like Bastar Pandoom play a vital role in preserving local heritage. The administration under Vishnu Deo Sai has brought renewed prominence to the distinctive traditions of Bastar Dussehra, while initiatives like Bastar Pandoom and the Bastar Olympics have empowered local youth to revive and celebrate their cultural roots. On the environmental front, he shared that the finance minister has been entrusted with the target of planting 500,000 peepal trees specifically within Nava Raipur.
