Chief Minister unfurls tricolour in Bilaspur on Republic Day, highlights achievements in governance, development and security
TFP Bureau, Raipur, January 26, 2026: The 77th Republic Day was celebrated across Chhattisgarh with enthusiasm, patriotic fervour and a renewed commitment to constitutional values, democracy and inclusive development. The main state-level function was held at the Police Parade Ground in Bilaspur, where Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai unfurled the national flag and took the salute at the combined parade.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister honoured the families of martyred soldiers and police personnel for their supreme sacrifice in the service of the nation. He also announced that the Chhattisgarh Police Force would be awarded a special medal to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the formation of the state, acknowledging its contribution to internal security and public service.
Extending warm Republic Day greetings to the people of Chhattisgarh, Chief Minister Shri Sai said that the Constitution of India is the strong foundation of the nation’s democratic faith, equality and social justice. He asserted that the state government is firmly committed to building a developed Chhattisgarh by following the path of the Constitution, democratic values and good governance, while working tirelessly for the service, development and prosperity of Chhattisgarh Mahtari.
Constitution, Equality and Social Harmony
In his address, the Chief Minister described Republic Day as not merely a celebration but an occasion to remember the sacrifices of freedom fighters and the vision of the architects of the Constitution. Paying tribute to Baba Saheb Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar, he said the Constitution symbolises social harmony, equal rights and freedom of expression. He also referred to the teachings of Baba Guru Ghasidas Ji, stating that the principle of “Manakhe-Manakhe Ek Saman”(all human beings are equal) reflects the very soul of the Indian Constitution.
Silver Jubilee of Statehood and Cultural Identity
Chief Minister Shri Sai noted that Chhattisgarh has recently completed 25 years of statehood, a journey that began under the leadership of former Prime Minister Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee. He highlighted the inauguration of the new Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly building by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, calling it the “temple of the Constitution.” Designed with motifs of paddy sheaves and adorned with folk art of Bastar and Surguja, the building stands as a symbol of Chhattisgarh’s cultural identity.
He also recalled the statewide celebrations marking the 150th anniversary of the national song “Vande Mataram,”where people across the state collectively sang the song, describing it as a heartfelt tribute to Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay.
Tribal Pride and Fight Against Maoism
Referring to Tribal Pride Day and the 150th birth anniversary of Dharti Aaba Bhagwan Birsa Munda, the Chief Minister said the tribal community played a historic role in India’s freedom struggle. He highlighted the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Tribal Freedom Fighters Digital Museum, inaugurated by the Prime Minister, as the country’s first digital museum dedicated to tribal heroes.
Addressing the challenge of Maoist violence, Shri Sai said Chhattisgarh has adopted a decisive strategy under the leadership of the Prime Minister and the guidance of Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah. He stated that Maoist activities are now in their final phase and the goal of making the state Naxal-free by March 2026 is firmly within reach. He also spoke about rehabilitation of surrendered Maoists and development initiatives such as Bastar Café and Niyad Nella Nar Yojana.
Farmers, Women and Welfare Initiatives
The Chief Minister said ensuring the prosperity of farmers has been a key challenge since the formation of the state. He informed that Chhattisgarh farmers are now receiving the highest paddy prices in the country, with procurement rising from 5 lakh metric tonnes to 149 lakh metric tonnes. Over the past two years, ₹1.5 lakh crore has been transferred directly to farmers’ bank accounts, and 115 pending irrigation projects are being completed under the Atal Sichai Yojana.
Highlighting women empowerment, he said more than 70 lakh women are benefiting from the Mahtari Vandan Yojana, receiving ₹1,000 per month, with ₹14,948 crore distributed so far.
Housing, Power, Education and Health
Chief Minister Shri Sai said over 26 lakh houses have been sanctioned under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, with nearly 2,000 houses being constructed daily, the highest rate in the country. He noted that Chhattisgarh ranks second nationally in power generation and is steadily moving towards the top position, with rapid progress in solar energy, gas-based projects and zero carbon emission targets.
In education, teacher shortages have been addressed through rationalisation. Under the National Education Policy, education in local dialects is being promoted, along with the establishment of 9,000 smart classrooms and 22,000 computers. In healthcare, the number of medical colleges has risen to 15, a multi super speciality hospital has been set up in Bilaspur, and MBBS education in Hindi has also commenced.
Industrial Growth and Digital Governance
Under the new industrial policy, the state has received investment proposals worth ₹7.83 lakh crore. Nava Raipur is being developed as a hub for IT, Artificial Intelligence, pharmaceuticals and medical services, with the Chief Minister stating that the future belongs to AI and Chhattisgarh will emerge as a major centre.
He also spoke about strengthening good governance through e-Office, GeM portal, biometric attendance and digital governance initiatives.
Cultural Programmes and Public Participation
The Republic Day programme featured colourful patriotic cultural performances by schoolchildren and attractive tableaux depicting various government schemes and development milestones. Concluding his address, the Chief Minister quoted lines from a poem by late Shri Laxman Masturiya, calling for collective public participation in building a developed Chhattisgarh.
He extended heartfelt Republic Day greetings to the people of the state, expressing confidence that with unity, constitutional values and good governance, Chhattisgarh will continue its journey towards prosperity and progress.
