- Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai participated in the Utkal Day and Annual Festival Sneh Sammelan in Raigarh.
Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai today attended the “Utkal Day and Annual Festival of Love Conference” organized by the Utkal Cultural Service Committee at Baba Priyadarshi Ram Auditorium, Panjari Plant, Raigarh as the chief guest. The program was formally inaugurated by Chief Minister Shri Sai by lighting a lamp in front of the idol of Lord Jagannath Swami and singing the melodious song “Vande Utkal Janani.”
Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai cordially addressed the gathering, saying he was not here as a guest, but as one of his family. He said the people of Raigarh had showered him with their bountiful blessings during his 20 years as a Member of Parliament, and he continues to receive the same affection and warmth today.
Chief Minister Shri Sai, highlighting the historical and cultural ties between Odisha and Chhattisgarh, said that the two states share an unbreakable bond of “bread and daughter.” He noted that from Kunkuri in Jashpur to the border areas of Chhattisgarh, a large number of people speak Odia. Rice is still served as Mahaprasad in the Devbhog-Gariaband region, and Rath Yatras are held in every corner of Chhattisgarh.
Chief Minister Shri Sai released the community’s magazine, “Suvidha,” which contains the community’s customs, achievements, and contact details. Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai announced a grant of ₹5 lakh for the organization of the Jagannath Rath Yatra.
In his address, Chief Minister Shri Sai, highlighting the state government’s achievements, said that historic work is being undertaken in Chhattisgarh, in accordance with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s guarantees. He reported that 1.8 million Prime Minister’s Housing Schemes have been approved, of which 800,000 have been completed in record time. Paddy is being purchased from farmers at the rate of Rs. 3,100 per quintal, and approximately 7 million women are benefiting from the Mahatari Vandan Scheme, leading the state towards prosperity. He said that the state government has launched the Shri Ram Lalla Darshan Scheme, under which approximately 42,000 devotees have visited Ayodhya to have darshan of Lord Ram Lalla. Through this scheme, common citizens are getting the opportunity to visit pilgrimage sites in a convenient and organized manner. Additionally, the Chief Minister’s Tirtha Darshan Scheme has also been relaunched, providing facilities to devotees for visiting various religious sites.
Chief Minister Mr. Sai said that a stringent law has been passed against those who force religious conversions, which provides for severe punishment and fines. He said that this will effectively control illegal religious conversions.
Chief Minister Sai stated that the indomitable courage of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and the soldiers has led to the successful elimination of Naxalism. He added that under “Niyad Nellanar,” basic amenities like roads, electricity, education, and health are now being rapidly provided in Bastar, ushering in a new wave of development in the region.
The Chief Minister said that in the last two years, 20,000 to 25,000 recruitments have been made in various departments. A transparent process is being adopted by forming a selection board, providing opportunities to youth without any discrimination. He added that a high-level investigation has been conducted into the PSC irregularities, and that effective control on corruption is being established by bringing transparency to the administration through the e-office system.
Chief Minister Shri Sai said that cooperation from all communities is essential to make Chhattisgarh a developed state. He said that the state is rich in forest and mineral resources, and self-employment opportunities are being promoted through value addition of forest products.
He further stated that the state government has launched the Chief Minister’s Electricity Bill Payment Solution Scheme-2026 to provide relief to electricity consumers. Under this scheme, easy installment options are available for paying outstanding electricity bills, and surcharge relief or waivers are being provided.
In the program, the Chief Minister honored 8 talents of Utkal society for their special achievements. At the end of the program, the Chief Minister was honored by presenting a memento.
On this occasion, Jharsuguda MLA Shri Tankadhar Tripathi, Raipur North MLA Shri Purandar Mishra, Municipal Corporation Mayor Shri Jivardhan Chauhan and a large number of dignitaries were present.