RAIPUR: Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has accused the Congress of treating the tribal community merely as a vote bank during its long tenure in power. He has challenged the opposition party to account for its contribution to tribal welfare during its 55 to 60 years of governance.
The chief minister made these remarks while interacting with media persons in Raipur on Thursday. He was responding to criticism from Congress leaders, who had termed the administrative preparations during President Droupadi Murmu’s visit to attend the traditional Muria Darbar during the Bastar Dussehra festival as administrative interference.
Chief Minister Sai stated that his administration works with full commitment towards the respect, rights, and holistic development of the tribal community. He noted that the central government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi places tribal welfare at the core of national priorities. Targeted schemes implemented through the Ministry of Tribal Affairs focus on education, livelihood, and empowerment in tribal regions. Similar development authorities and programmes are driving rapid progress across tribal areas of Chhattisgarh.
Bastar stands as a prime example of this transformation, according to the chief minister. Coordinated efforts by the double-engine government, alongside the courage of security forces, have yielded decisive success against Naxalism. Regions previously gripped by fear and violence are now receiving road connectivity, electricity, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, communication networks, and employment opportunities. Remote villages are connecting with the mainstream as Bastar moves towards a peaceful future.
Chief Minister Sai emphasized that Congress must review its own record before leveling allegations. The tribal community remains politically conscious and evaluates political parties based on ground-level development and delivery rather than rhetoric.
