Vishnu Deo Sai Emerges as Chhattisgarh’s New Chief Minister

In a surprising turn of events, Vishnu Deo Sai, a seasoned tribal BJP leader, has been officially declared as the new Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh. The announcement came after a week-long suspense over the chief ministerial post, where Sai emerged as the dark horse, surpassing the expectations set by other prominent contenders like Raman Singh and Renuka Singh.

Vishnu Deo Sai: A Brief Profile Vishnu Deo Sai is set to make history as Chhattisgarh’s first tribal chief minister, debunking initial expectations that Ajit Jogi’s Scheduled Tribe (ST) status might play a crucial role. Born in Jashpur, Sai hails from the Kanwar tribe and has been an integral part of Chhattisgarh’s political landscape since the 1990s.

Political Roots and Rise to Prominence Vishnu Deo Sai’s political journey began at the grassroots level when he served as a village sarpanch. His family has a strong political legacy, with his grandfather and ‘bade pitaji’ being active members of the Jan Sangh, the predecessor of the BJP. Encouraged by the late Dilip Singh Judev, a senior BJP leader, Sai entered electoral politics in 1990 and won his first MLA election from Tapkara in undivided Madhya Pradesh.

Despite facing defeat in the 1998 assembly polls, Vishnu Deo Sai persisted in his political career. His resilience paid off as he secured victory in the just-concluded 2023 Chhattisgarh assembly elections, representing the Kunkuri constituency in north Chhattisgarh.

Sai’s political trajectory reached new heights when he served as the Union Minister of State for Steel in the first Cabinet of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. His commitment to public service and the ‘Sabka Vishwas’ ideology has been a consistent theme throughout his political career.

Electoral Success and Challenges Vishnu Deo Sai has experienced both triumphs and setbacks in his electoral journey. Winning four consecutive Lok Sabha elections from the Raigarh constituency (1999-2014), Sai established himself as a prominent leader. However, he faced a setback in 2019 when he was not given a ticket for the Lok Sabha election.

In the recent Chhattisgarh assembly election, Vishnu Deo Sai secured victory from the Kunkuri constituency, defeating UD Minj, the sitting Congress MLA. His success has showcased his enduring popularity and political acumen.

Vision for Chhattisgarh Expressing his commitment to the people of Chhattisgarh, Vishnu Deo Sai affirmed, “With all honesty, I will work for ‘Sabka Vishwas,’ and the promises made to the people of Chhattisgarh under ‘Modi Ki Guarantee’ will be fulfilled.” He outlined his first priority as providing 18 lakh ‘Awas’ (homes) to the people, emphasizing the importance of fulfilling electoral promises.

Criticism and Congratulations The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) faced criticism for the delay in announcing the chief ministerial names for Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan. However, with Vishnu Deo Sai’s appointment, the party has taken a decisive step forward. Outgoing Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel congratulated Sai, expressing his hope that the new leader would continue the journey of justice and progress in Chhattisgarh.

Vishnu Deo Sai’s elevation to the position of Chhattisgarh’s Chief Minister marks a significant moment in the state’s political history. As the first tribal leader to hold this office, Sai’s journey reflects a blend of grassroots connect, political legacy, and a commitment to fulfilling promises. As Chhattisgarh eagerly anticipates the implementation of Sai’s vision, the political landscape of the state undergoes a notable transformation under his leadership.