Development Gains Strength When Society Is Organised and Aware: Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai

Prosperity of Farmer Brothers and Sisters Is the Government’s Top Priority: Chief Minister

₹50 lakh announced for expansion of community building in Kosmanara

Raipur, February 2026 : Addressing the foundation day and oath-taking ceremony held at Kosmanara Dham on the auspicious occasion of Mahashivratri, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said that when society is organised and aware, development receives real strength. He noted that the unity, education, and dedication of the Sahu community are playing an important role in the social and economic upliftment of the state. Active participation of society, he said, is essential for building a developed Chhattisgarh.

The Chief Minister said that the prosperity of farmer brothers and sisters is the government’s highest priority. He announced that more than 2.5 million farmers who sold paddy at the support price will receive the differential amount at the rate of ₹3,100 per quintal in a single instalment before Holi. An amount of nearly ₹10,000 crore will be directly transferred to farmers’ bank accounts. He reiterated that the government is committed to honouring the hard work of farmers and ensuring their welfare.

Earlier, Chief Minister Sai offered prayers at the Shri Shri 108 Satyanarayan Baba Ji and Bhakt Mata Karma–Krishna Temple in Kosmanara, praying for the happiness, prosperity, and well-being of the people of the state, and extended greetings on Mahashivratri.

In his address, the Chief Minister said that since February 16, 1998, revered Satyanarayan Baba has been continuously engaged in penance under the open sky. Undertaking spiritual austerity for more than 28 years across all seasons is truly unique and inspiring. The dham, he said, has become a strong symbol of social harmony, faith, and brotherhood.

The Chief Minister shared that with Baba’s blessings, he had the opportunity to serve as a Member of Parliament four times and today has been fortunate to serve as Chief Minister. He prayed to Baba Bholenath and Baba Satyanarayan to continue showering their blessings on the people of the state.

During the programme, the Chief Minister announced ₹50 lakh for additional construction on the Karma Sahu community building in Kosmanara. Referring to the Shri Ram Lalla Darshan Yojana and the Chief Minister Teerth Darshan Yojana, he said that through these schemes, people of the state are getting opportunities to visit Ayodhya and other major pilgrimage centres across the country.

On the occasion, Tribhuwan Sahu, Bharat Lal Sahu, Kapil Nath, Aruna Sahu, Manoj Sahu, and Vederam Sahu were honoured for their outstanding contributions to social welfare. The Korba District Sahu Association’s magazine and the Baba Satyanarayan Chalisa were also released.

Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao extended Mahashivratri greetings and said that the unity of the Sahu community will play a significant role in building a developed Chhattisgarh. Finance Minister O.P. Choudhary informed about proposed development works worth around ₹1.5 crore for Kosmanara Dham. State President of the Sahu community Dr. Nirendra Sahu administered the oath to newly elected district-level office-bearers of the Sahu associations from seven districts of the Bilaspur division.

The programme was attended by Lok Sabha MP Radheshyam Rathiya, Kasdol MLA Sandeep Sahu, Jaijaipur MLA Baleshwar Sahu, Municipal Corporation Mayor Jeevardhan Chauhan, former MP Lakhanlal Sahu, Telghani Board Chairman Jitendra Sahu, Digreelal Sahu, newly elected office-bearers from seven districts of the Bilaspur division, Baba Satyanarayan’s mother Hansmati Devi, Divisional Commissioner Sunil Jain, IG Ramgopal Garg, Collector Mayank Chaturvedi, Senior Superintendent of Police Shashi Mohan Singh, other officials, local public representatives, and a large number of devotees.