TFP Bureau Report, Dec 12, 2023: Shri Vishnudev Sai’s Remarkable Political Journey; Born on February 21, 1964, in the village of Bagiya in Kansabel tehsil of Jashpur district, Shri Vishnudev Sai has traversed an illustrious political journey, culminating in his recent appointment as the Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh. His father, Late Shri Ram Prasad Sai, and mother, Jasmani Devi, provided the foundation for Sai’s journey. Sai, a graduate from Loyola Higher Secondary School, Kunkuri, married Kaushalya Sai on May 27, 1991, and the couple has a son and two daughters.
Political Journey of Shri Vishnudev Sai:
Sai’s political career commenced with his election as Panch of Gram Panchayat Bagiya in 1989, followed by his unopposed election as Sarpanch in 1990. Subsequently, he served as a member of the Madhya Pradesh Assembly from 1990 to 1998, representing the Tapkara constituency. Sai’s foray into national politics began when he was elected as an MP from Raigarh Lok Sabha constituency in the 13th Lok Sabha in 1999. This marked the start of an impressive trajectory, winning Lok Sabha elections four times (1999, 2004, 2009, and 2014).
Noteworthy milestones include his role as the State President of the Bharatiya Janata Party in 2006 and 2011. He served as the Union Minister of State for the Ministry of Steel, Mines, Labor, and Employment from May 27, 2014, to 2019. Sai’s commitment to his party continued as he was re-elected State President of the BJP from 2020 to 2022. In 2023, he was nominated as a special invitee to the National Executive of the BJP, and later, he was elected as an MLA from the Kunkuri seat in the assembly elections. His remarkable journey reached its zenith on December 10, 2023, when the Legislative Party of Chhattisgarh elected him as its leader, making him the first tribal Chief Minister of the state.
Family Background:
Hailing from a farming family, Shri Vishnudev Sai traces his political roots through his family’s association with Jan Sangh. His elder father, Late Shri Narhari Prasad Sai, was a prominent political figure who served as an MLA and MP. Sai’s grandfather, Sardar Late Budhnath Sai, was nominated as an MLA from 1947 to 1952. The political legacy continued with his grandfather’s role as a nominated MLA in the then CP & Berar Assembly after independence.
Struggles and Successes:
Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai’s early life was marked by struggles and sacrifices. Born in the small tribal-dominated village of Bagiya, Sai’s commitment to education was temporarily halted when he had to return to his village after his father’s demise during his first year of college. Despite his political ascendancy, Sai remained rooted in his village, actively participating in its development. His efforts contributed to the transformation of the government school where he received primary education into a high school.
Beyond Politics: Interests in Farming and Traditional Medicine
Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai demonstrates a keen interest in farming, cultivating vegetables on the riverbank near his residence. His contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic included motivating farmers in the village to grow crops like cucumber and groundnut in river sand. Apart from his political endeavors, Sai is well-versed in traditional medicine, especially herbs, and has garnered praise for his expertise in treating ailments.
Celebrations Across Jashpur District:
The announcement of Shri Vishnudev Sai as the Chief Minister has sparked jubilant celebrations across Jashpur district. Villagers are expressing their joy through traditional dance, music, and fireworks. The festive atmosphere extends from Bagiya to other rural areas, including Jashpur, Kunkuri, Pathalgaon, Bagicha, and Farsabahar. Sai’s journey from Panch to Chief Minister resonates as a testament to his resilience, commitment, and connect with the people of Chhattisgarh.
