Modi To Attend Silver Jubilee Celebration Of Chhattisgarh's Statehood, Says Sai

Mr. Modi accepted the invitation extended for the occasion by Chhattisgarh chief minister Vishnu Deo Sai during their meeting in the Parliament House in New Delhi on Friday, a spokesman of the state government said.

Chhattisgarh, carved out as a separate state from Madhya Pradesh on November one, 2000, is celebrating the 25^th anniversary of its formation as “Amrit Rajat Jayanti Varsh”.

Mr. Sai also apprised the PM of the state government’s major development priorities, future plans and welfare initiatives.

He briefed Mr. Modi on the rising industrial investments and job creation in the state.

The chief minister highlighted that the new industrial policy of the state has been able to attract investment proposals worth Rs 6.65 lakh crore from 84 companies so far.

He said the state is focusing on priority sectors such as textiles, pharmaceuticals, readymade garments, and Information Technology (IT) services, with an aim of positioning Chhattisgarh as a leading technological and industrial hub.

Mr. Sai later met Union home minister Amit Shah in New Delhi and discussed with him key issues related to the holistic development of Chhattisgarh and strategies to counter Maoist challenge.

He apprised Mr. Shah of the achievements made by the state in the counterinsurgency in the last 18 months.

Since December 2023, when BJP returned to power in Chhattisgarh, a total of 445 Maoists, including top leaders, have been neutralized in 33 major encounters.

This apart, 1,554 Maoists have been arrested, and 1,588 have surrendered during the period.

He further highlighted that the state is working under a comprehensive ‘integrated development and security’ policy aimed at fully eliminating Maoist influence.

“The initiatives have not only reduced Maoist influence but also strengthened public trust in the administration”, he said.