Team News Riveting
Raipur, August 16
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishni Deo Sai on Saturday paid rich tributes to former Prime Minister and Bharat Ratna late Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his death anniversary.
“The word ‘Chhattisgarh’ that we proudly use in our address today is the gift of revered Atalji. He will always be remembered as the creator of our state,” Sai said while addressing a gathering after paying floral tribute at Avanti Vihar Chowk in Raipur.
On the occasion, Sai garlanded the statue of Atal Bihari Vajpayee installed in the chowk. The Chief Minister said that Atalji was a multifaceted personality who started his career as a journalist, poet, and statesman. “People were mesmerized by his speeches,” Sai added.
Highlighting Chhattisgarh’s milestones, CM Sai said, “We have launched the 25-week long ‘Rajat Mahotsav’ of Chhattisgarh’s statehood. If today we are celebrating Chhattisgarh’s silver jubilee year, it is solely because of Atalji’s vision. During these 25 weeks, all departments will organize diverse programmes. This year also marks Atalji’s centenary birth year. In his memory, we have declared this as the ‘Atal Nirman Year’, with special budgetary provisions for accelerating infrastructure development.”
Sai added that the objectives for which Vajpayee created the state of Chhattisgarh are being steadily fulfilled. “Over the last 25 years, our greatest achievement is that we have not only envisioned becoming a developed state in the next 25 years but also prepared the ‘Chhattisgarh Anjor Vision-2047’ roadmap to achieve it,” he said.
Sharing his personal memories, the Chief Minister recalled: “It was my good fortune that when Atalji became Prime Minister for the third time, I had been elected as a Member of Parliament. I heard his speeches in Parliament. We all eagerly waited for his addresses in the Lok Sabha. His wit, forthrightness, and oratory captivated everyone. When the Chhattisgarh State Reorganisation Bill was tabled in Parliament, I too had the opportunity to witness the debate as a listener. At that time, our state’s Rajya Sabha MPs, late Lakhiram Agrawal and late Dilip Singh Judev, also voiced their views in Parliament.”
Sai further said that Atalji taught everyone to remain steadfast on principles. “He valued politics based on ideals and ethics. Atalji’s life is proof that politics is not merely a means of acquiring power, but also an art of dialogue, consensus, and compassion. His voice still resonates in our hearts,” the Chief Minister stated.
Earlier, Sai paid rich tributes to Atal Bihari Vajpayee at a function held at his official residence in the morning.
