Union Minister of Labour and Employment and Youth Affairs and Sports Dr Mansukh Mandaviya on Sunday evening formally inaugurated the three-day Rajyotsav 2026 at Rajyotsav Maidan here. Addressing the gathering, Dr Mandaviya said Chhattisgarh was advancing rapidly on the path of development. The State, once known as a Naxalite stronghold, was changing under BJP rule, he said, pointing to the organisation of the Bastar Olympics and the growing number of tourists visiting the State. Describing Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a different kind of ‘Rajpurush’, he said the Prime Minister had set out a road map and targets for making India a one step forward together, India will certainly become a developed country by 2047,” he said.

 

In his presidential address, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said the eradication of Naxalism during his Government’s three-year tenure was the State’s biggest achievement, as it had long obstructed development. Chhattisgarh was now registering progress in all sectors, including health and education, he said, adding that the state has 21 medical colleges and all national educational institutions. Noting the vast scope for further growth, the Chief Minister urged all citizens to work together to make Chhattisgarh a developed State. Culture and Tourism Minister Rajesh Agrawal delivered the welcome address, while Chief Secretary Vikas Sheel proposed the vote of thanks. Among those present were Union Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs Tokhan Sahu; Deputy Chief Ministers Arun Sao and Vijay Sharma; Cabinet Ministers Ramvichar Netam, Kedar Kashyap, Dayaldas Baghel, Shyam Bihari Jaiswal, O P Choudhary and Lakhanlal Dewangan; other ministers, MPs, MLAs and public representatives, along with a large number of people. Earlier, Dr Mandaviya and Chief Minister Sai visited the stalls set up at the venue. On the second day, November 2, Governor Ramen Deka will be the chief guest, while Culture Minister Rajesh Agrawal will preside over the function. The Rajyotsav will conclude on November 3.