Clean Image, Low Profile in Nature Hallmarks of C'garh's CM-Designate Vishnu Deo Sai
RAIPUR: Clean image and low profile in nature are the hallmarks of chief minister-designate of Chhattisgarh Vishnu Deo Sai who started his political career as a ‘panch’ (ward member) in his native village in 1989.
Born in the village of Bagia under Jashpur district in Chhattisgarh on February one, 1964, Mr Sai, the tribal face of BJP in the state, made debut in politics in 1989 by contesting in the local civic body polls.
He was elected ‘panch’ or ward member of Baiga village panchayat and later elected as sarpanch unopposed.
He hails from a political family.
His grandfather late Budhnath Sai was a nominated MLA from 1947 to 1952.
His ‘bade pitaji’ (elder brother of his father) late Narahari Prasad Sai was a member of Jan Sangh (the earlier version of BJP) and served as a two-term MLA (1962-67 and 1972-77) and was elected as an MP (1977-79) and served as a minister in the Janata Party government.
Mr Sai inherited the political legacy of his family and from a village sarpanch, he rose to the rank of Union minister in the first Narendra Modi government at the Centre.
His political mentor was the charismatic BJP leader late Dilip Singh Judeo.
He completed his higher secondary education, but dropped out of college.
A four-time MP and two-time MLA, Mr Sai was first elected to state Assembly from Tapkara in Jashpur district in undivided Madhya Pradesh in 1990.
He had headed BJP in Chhattisgarh twice.
Mr Sai defeated Congress candidate U D Minz from Kunkuri assembly constituency in the recently held polls by a margin of over 25,000 votes, as a BJP candidate.
All through his political career, he has remained non-controversial and has been known for his clean image and low profile in nature.
He is also known to be a loyalist of former chief minister Dr Singh.
His mother Jasmami Devi said, “I cannot imagine that my son will be the chief minister of the state. I am extremely happy that he got the opportunity to serve the state”.
Senior Congress leader and former chief minister Bhupesh Baghel hoped that the state would make rapid progress under Mr Sai’s leadership.
