Bastar Will Become the Most Beautiful and Developed Tribal Division in India: Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai

Government Committed to Bastar’s Economic Development and Better Utilization of Minor Forest Produce

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai and Assembly Speaker Dr. Raman Singh Release the Book “Tera Raj Nahi Aayega Re”

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai stated that after suffering from the scourge of Naxalism for four decades and remaining disconnected from the mainstream of development, Bastar is now entering a new era. With the decline of Naxalism and the combined efforts of the Central and State Governments, Bastar will be transformed into the most beautiful and developed tribal division in the country.

He made these remarks while addressing the launch ceremony of the book Tera Raj Nahi Aayega Re in Raipur. The event was attended by Assembly Speaker Raman Singh, Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma, Sahitya Akademi Chairman Dr. Shashank Sharma, Panchjanya Editor Hitesh Shankar, and several distinguished guests.

The Chief Minister noted that Bastar had fallen significantly behind in development due to Naxal violence. However, changing circumstances have created an opportunity to build a new, prosperous, and developed Bastar. The state government is continuously working to ensure that citizens have easy access to essential services and basic facilities.

Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi completing 12 years in office, Shri Sai highlighted several historic achievements under his leadership, including significant progress toward eliminating Naxalism. He described Naxalism as one of the country’s most serious internal security challenges and credited the leadership of Prime Minister Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for addressing it effectively.

The Chief Minister emphasized that strong leadership inspires confidence and determination in society. Under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, a collective resolve against Maoism emerged, boosting the morale of security forces and encouraging citizens to openly oppose extremist violence through democratic means. He also acknowledged the important contributions of writers, journalists, and intellectuals in this struggle.

Shri Sai praised authors Rajeev Ranjan Prasad and Rachna Naidu for publishing the book at a time when Maoism is nearing its end. He said the work is especially valuable because it documents a difficult chapter of history that future generations can learn from. The book preserves memories of the struggle against Maoism and honors the sacrifices made by security personnel and society in overcoming the challenge.

He noted that future readers will gain insight into the hardships endured during the fight against Maoism and understand that violence can never provide a lasting solution to societal issues. Instead, trust and progress can only be achieved through constitutional and democratic values.

The Chief Minister commended the authors for conducting extensive research, engaging with various sections of Bastar society, surrendered Naxalites, and individuals who had directly experienced the conflict. The book highlights how Maoist leadership expanded its network and pressured many families to send members into the organization.

He further observed that nearly 80 percent of the former Naxalites interviewed during the research were either illiterate or educated only up to the fifth grade. Children who should have held pens were instead handed weapons. According to him, Maoism deprived an entire generation of education and separated them from their families and communities.

Discussing future development plans, Shri Sai said the government is implementing the “Bastar Roadmap 2.0” initiative in a structured manner. Through programs such as Niyad Nella Nar Yojana and the Bastar Munne Campaign, government benefits are being delivered in saturation mode. Former security camps are now being transformed into service centers that will provide public services, skill development, and entrepreneurship opportunities.

The Chief Minister pointed out that around 85 percent of Bastar’s population currently earns less than ₹15,000 per month. The government aims to double this income within the next three years through coordinated implementation of Central and State schemes. Cooperative development, livestock support, and agricultural diversification are expected to play a key role in improving livelihoods.

Under the Healthy Bastar Campaign, millions of health screenings have already been conducted, and improved medical facilities are being made available. He also assured that no child in the new Bastar would be deprived of education. A total of 421 previously closed schools have been reopened, while Education Cities are being planned in Abujhmad and Jagargunda.

Additionally, the Deurgaon and Matnar barrages on the Indravati River are under construction to expand irrigation facilities for farmers.

Highlighting Bastar’s tourism potential, the Chief Minister said events such as Bastar Pandum and Bastar Olympics have helped showcase the region’s rich culture and traditions at national and international levels. He congratulated the authors for producing a significant work that documents an important phase in Bastar’s history.

Assembly Speaker Dr. Raman Singh Describes the Book as the Result of Years of Effort

Assembly Speaker Raman Singh described “Tera Raj Nahi Aayega Re” as the outcome of years of hard work and in-depth study. He said the book was not written from the comfort of an office but was based on extensive fieldwork in remote forests, interactions with surrendered Naxalites, and a deep understanding of ground realities.

Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma: Maoism Came Through Ideology, Not Poverty

Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma stated that Maoism emerged not from economic necessity but as an ideological movement aimed at establishing power through armed struggle. He said those weapons have now been laid down and society is returning to normalcy.

Quoting poet Baba Nagarjun, Shri Sharma remarked that with the decline of Naxalism, fairs, weekly markets, and traditional community gatherings have regained their vibrancy in Bastar. Religious activities at village shrines have resumed, and the government is ensuring better rehabilitation arrangements for surrendered Naxalites and affected families through dedicated rehabilitation centers.

The event was attended by a large number of intellectuals and representatives from the fields of literature, media, social service, and other sectors.