RAIPUR: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday stated that former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee created Chhattisgarh and Prime Minister Narendra Modi developed it.

Addressing the concluding ceremony of the state formation celebrations in Naya Raipur, Shah inaugurated the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Park. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai presided over the event.

Shah criticized the previous Congress administration at the Centre for a lack of intent in ending Left-Wing Extremism. He noted that during the 15-year tenure of former chief minister Raman Singh, development works progressed despite a hostile central government, but tribal area development remained incomplete. He added that the state electorate elected a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government, and authorities resolved to eradicate extremism within two months.

The home minister announced that Raipur will plant 5 lakh peepal trees under the leadership of Finance Minister O.P. Chaudhary. He stated that this initiative aims to transform the capital into a major environment-friendly urban centre.

Highlighting cultural preservation, Shah praised the government for promoting traditional art forms such as Karma, Raut Nacha, Pandwani, Dhokra art, bell metal, woodcraft, and Kosa silk. He credited the Vishnu Deo Sai administration for granting global recognition to the 75-day Bastar Dussehra tradition, alongside events like Bastar Pandum and Bastar Olympic.

Eminent personalities from various fields received state awards during the ceremony for their contributions. Shah praised the security forces, including the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Chhattisgarh Police, for their efforts in combating extremism.