Vishnu Deo Sai Explained

Vishnu Deo Sai
Office:4th Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh
Governor:Biswabhusan Harichandan
Ramen Deka
Deputy:Arun Sao
Vijay Sharma
Term Start:13 December 2023
Predecessor:Bhupesh Baghel
Office1:Member of Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly
Term Start1:3 December 2023
Predecessor1:U.D. Minj
Constituency1:Kunkuri
Office3:President of Bharatiya Janata Party, Chhattisgarh
Term Start3:2 June 2020
Term End3:9 August 2022
Predecessor3:Vikram Usendi
Successor3:Arun Sao
Term Start4:21 January 2014
Term End4:16 August 2014
Predecessor4:Ram Sewak Paikra
Successor4:Dharamlal Kaushik
Term Start5:31 October 2006
Term End5:11 May 2010
Predecessor5:Shiv Pratap Singh
Successor5:Ram Sewak Paikra
Office6:Minister of State
Government of India
Term Start6:26 May 2014
Term End6:30 May 2019
2Blankname6:Minister of Steel
2Namedata6:26 May 2014 – 30 May 2019
3Blankname6:Minister of Mines
3Namedata6:26 May 2014 – 5 July 2016
4Blankname6:Minister of Labour & Employment
4Namedata6:26 May 2014 – 9 November 2014
Office7:Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha
Constituency7:Raigarh
Term Start7:1999
Term End7:2019
Predecessor7:Ajit Jogi
Successor7:Gomtee Sai
Office8:Member of Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly
Term Start8:1990
Term End8:1998
Predecessor8:Nand Kumar Sai
Successor8:Nand Kumar Sai
Constituency8:Tapkara
Birth Date:21 February 1964
Birth Place:Bagiya, Madhya Pradesh
(now in Chhattisgarh, India)
Residence:Bagiya, Kunkuri
Party:Bharatiya Janata Party
Children:3
Education:Loyola Higher Secondary School, Kunkuri

Vishnu Deo Sai (born 21 February 1964) is an Indian politician currently serving as the 4th Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh.[1] He is the first senior tribal leader in Central India.[2] Sai is the member of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).[3] He currently represents Kunkuri in Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly.[4]

He officially became Chhattisgarh's second tribal Chief Minister after taking oath on December 13, 2023.[5]

Sai is known for his decisive approach in addressing public welfare issues. His dedication extends beyond Chhattisgarh, as he has actively engaged with tribal concerns in states including Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Telangana, and Maharashtra.[6]

Early life

Sai was born in a farmer's family in the village of Bagiya, located in the Farsabahar development block of Jashpur district, Chhattisgarh. His father, the late Shri Ramprasad Sai, and mother, Smt. Jasmani Devi Sai, raised him in this rural setting. [7]

His educational journey led him through higher secondary schooling in Kunkuri, within the Jashpur district. Hailing from the tribal Kanwar community, Sai's roots are deeply embedded in agriculture, with a family lineage entrenched in politics. He draws inspiration from his late uncles, Narhari Prasad Sai and Kedarnath Sai, both esteemed politicians.[8]

Narhari Prasad Sai served as an MLA from the Lailunga Assembly constituency from 1962 to 1967 and from the Bagicha Assembly Constituency from 1972 to 1977. Later, he held the position of Member of Parliament and Union Minister of State for Communications from 1977 to 1979. Kedarnath Sai represented the Tapkara Assembly Constituency during the Jan Sangh era from 1967 to 1972. Additionally, Sai's grandfather, the late Budhnath Sai, established a political legacy as an MLA from 1947 to 1952.[4]

Education

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai pursued his education up to the Higher Secondary level. Unfortunately, his father passed away when he was in the fourth standard, leaving him with the responsibility of supporting his mother, Jasmani Devi, and his two younger brothers, Om Prakash Sai and Vinod Sai. Following his Higher Secondary education, he was unable to continue his studies further and instead took up agriculture to provide for his family.

During this period, he became familiar with Late Dilip Singh Judeo, a prominent leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party and then Member of Parliament. Vishnu Deo Sai regards Late Dilip Singh Judeo as his political mentor and guide.[9]

Political career

Sai started off humbly in politics in 1989, when he was elected Panch of Bagiya Gram Panchayat in undivided Madhya Pradesh. The 1990 Sarpanch of Gram Panchayat Bagiya was elected without a single vote due to his exceptional leadership skills. He won the seat of member of the assembly for the Tankara Assembly constituency that same year, marking his entry into legislative politics.[10] [11]

Sai continued his rise in politics by holding the position of MLA for two terms in a row, from 1990 to 1998. After that, he entered national politics and, beginning in 1999, won four terms in a row as the representative for the Raigarh Lok Sabha constituency. From 1999 until 2014, Sai served in the 13th, 14th, 15th, and 16th Lok Sabha, making significant contributions during that time. Sai's dedication to serving the public also extended to his ministerial positions. From May 27, 2014, until 2019, he effectively oversaw the Ministry of Steel, Mines, Labor, and Employment as a Union Minister of State.[12]

Sai was named the BJP's Chhattisgarh State President in 2006 after being recognized for his leadership within the organization. He then served in this capacity again from 2020 to 2022. He was named to the BJP National Working Committee as a special invitee member on December 2, 2022. He was then elevated to the rank of full member of the BJP National Working Committee on July 8, 2023.[10] [13]

Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh

In a BJP meeting, it was announced that Vishnu Deo Sai will become the next Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh along with Arun Sao and Vijay Sharma as deputy CM. On 13 December 2023, Sai took oath as Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh and Arun Sao and Vijay Sharma were elected as Deputy Chief Ministers of Chhattisgarh at the Science College ground in Raipur.

Philanthropy

Beyond politics, Sai has actively engaged in social work, particularly focused on tribal education and the development of essential infrastructure in tribal regions. He has been a consistent advocate for improving the living standards of backward tribes, reflecting a deep-rooted commitment to social welfare. Known for his reverence for Lord Shri Ram, Sai staunchly opposes conversions through compulsion or deception.[6] [14]

Kanwar Community Development

Within the Kanwar community of Chhattisgarh, Vishnu Deo Sai is a well-known and revered individual who serves as a guide to the group's members. In addition to Sai, his wife, Kaushalya Sai, is an active participant in the processes that lead to the development of the Kanwar community. There is a sizeable community of members of the Kanwar tribe in Northern Chhattisgarh. These individuals can be found in all six districts that make up the Surguja division, as well as in the districts of Bilaspur, Korba, Raigarh, and Janjgir. Throughout the Kanwar community, Vishnu Deo Sai has been an important figure in the process of raising awareness about the need of education.[10] [15]

Naxalism Stance

Since assuming the role of Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, Vishnu Deo Sai has swiftly implemented numerous decisive measures for public welfare, profoundly impacting both the state and national political landscape. In tackling the longstanding issue of Naxalism in Chhattisgarh, Sai has employed a strategy of "Boli ka Jawab Boli Se aur Goli ka Jawab Goli" (dialogue for dialogue, and bullet for bullet).[16] [17]

Within a mere four months of his tenure, security forces engaged in multiple encounters with Maoists in Bastar, resulting in the killing of over 100 Naxalites, including several high-profile leaders with substantial bounties on their heads. Notably, a large number of Maoists and their supporters have surrendered, drawn by the rehabilitation policies of the Chhattisgarh Government. Concurrently, the Vishnu Deo Sai government has significantly increased the number of security camps in Bastar.[18] The "Niyad Nellnar" scheme has been initiated to foster Bastar's development through these security camps, ensuring that villages within a five-kilometer radius receive the benefits of various Central and State Government schemes, thereby promoting comprehensive community development.[19]

Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana

In compliance to the Prime Minister's guarantee, the construction of permanent housing under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana has commenced for over 1.8 million poor families in the state.[20]

Good Governance

Vishnu Deo Sai established Good Governance. Government has taken consistent action against corruption. Numerous cases of corruption alleged to have occurred during the tenure of the previous Congress government are being swiftly investigated. These cases involve a range of scandals, including those related to coal, liquor, sand, teacher recruitment, PSC recruitment, and the Mahadev app. The involvement of key political figures from the Congress party in these scandals has garnered national attention, placing these cases in the spotlight on a broader scale.[21] [22]

On Good Governance Day, December 25, 2023, the state government transferred an amount of ₹3,716 crore as two years' pending bonus into the bank accounts of 1.3 million farmers, thus fulfilling the guarantee.[23]

The 'Shri Ramlala Ayodhya Dham' Darshan Yojana in Chhattisgarh has also been started by the Vishnu Deo Sai administration. This program offers the state's believers free pilgrimage tours to Ayodhya.[24]

With the hike in remuneration rate for Tendu Patta collection from ₹4,000 per standard bag to ₹5,500 per standard bag, Vishnu Deo Sai government has benefited 12 lakh 50 thousand families engaged in Tendu Patta collection.[25]

Krishak Unnati Yojana

The Vishnu Deo Sai administration of Chhattisgarh has fulfilled the guarantee under the Krishak Unnati Yojana by purchasing paddy from farmers at a rate of ₹3,100 per quintal, with a maximum of 21 quintals per acre. A record-breaking 14.492 lakh metric tons of paddy were procured from 24 lakh 75 thousand farmers in the state in 2023–2024. The support price of ₹31,913 crore and the differential amount of ₹13,320 crore have been disclosed.[26] [27]

Women empowerment

'Mahatari Vandan Yojana' has been introduced by the Vishnu Deo Sai government to support women's socio-economic empowerment in the state.[28] More than 70 lakh women in the state are receiving ₹1,000 a month deposited into their bank accounts under this plan.[29] [30]

On the lines of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call to build 'Developed India', the Vishnu Deo Sai government has set a goal to build 'Developed Chhattisgarh'. In the same sequence, state government is preparing a vision document titled "Amritkal Chhattisgarh Vision @2047."[31]

Personal life

On May 27, 1991, Vishnu Deo Sai entered into marriage with Kaushalya Devi Sai, with whom he shares a family consisting of one son and two daughters.[32]

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Vishnu Deo Sai to be the 4th Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh: Sources. 2023-12-10. India Today. 10 December 2023 . en.
  2. News: Sikdar. Shubhomoy. 2023-12-10. Tribal veteran Vishnu Deo Sai chosen as the new Chhattisgarh Chief Minister. en-IN. The Hindu. 2023-12-12. 0971-751X.
  3. Web site: ब्रेकिंग: पूर्व केंद्रीय मंत्री विष्णुदेव छत्तीसगढ़ भाजपा के नए अध्यक्ष, दिल्ली में राष्ट्रीय महासचिव अरुण सिंह ने किया नाम का ऐलान. पी श्रीनिवास. राव. 2 June 2020. Dainik Bhaskar.
  4. News: The Hindu . From village sarpanch to Chief Minister, Vishnu Deo Sai has risen through the ranks . 22 December 2023 . 10 December 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231222043524/https://www.thehindu.com/elections/chhattisgarh-assembly/from-village-sarpanch-to-chief-minister-vishnu-deo-sai-has-risen-through-the-ranks/article67625395.ece . 22 December 2023 . en-IN.
  5. Web site: Sikdar . Shubhomoy . Vishnu Deo Sai, his two deputies take oath in Chhattisgarh . The Hindu . en-IN . 13 December 2023.
  6. Web site: Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai, a non-controversial tribal leader with strong organisational skills . The Times of India . 11 December 2023.
  7. Web site: 2023-12-10 . BJP's tribal face Vishnu Deo Sai to be C'garh CM . 2023-12-18 . Hindustan Times . en.
  8. Web site: VISHNU DEO SAI : Bio, Political life, Family & Top stories . The Times of India.
  9. Web site: Chhattisgarh: Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai's Historic Moment With Late Dilip Singh Judeo Revealed In Throwback Photo . Free Press Journal . en.
  10. Web site: Vishnu Deo Sai: A Leader Nurtured by Commitment and Service . Bru Times News . en.
  11. Web site: Members : Lok Sabha. 164.100.47.194.
  12. Web site: Who is Vishnu Deo Sai, BJP's Chhattisgarh CM pick? 10 things to know . Hisndustan Times. 10 December 2023 .
  13. Web site: Vishnu Deo Sai's turnaround: Replaced as state BJP chief pre-polls, named Chhattisgarh CM post-victory . The Indian Express . en . 10 December 2023.
  14. Web site: Sikdar . Shubhomoy . Vishnu Deo Sai Rising above the script . The Hindu . en-IN . 23 December 2023.
  15. Web site: Meet Vishnu Deo Sai: Tribal leader set to become Chhattisgarh Chief Minister . India Today . en . 10 December 2023.
  16. Web site: Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai: 'Naxals referred to Congress govt as our govt … People have lost faith in them' . The Indian Express . en . 26 March 2024.
  17. Web site: Chhattisgarh CM Stresses Fight Against Naxalism, Praises Security Personnel For Abujhmad Op . news.abplive.com . en . 15 June 2024.
  18. Web site: Sikdar . Sobhana K. Nair & Shubhomoy . Vishnu Deo Sai interview 'When Congress was in power, Naxals believed their own government was ruling' . The Hindu . en-IN . 19 April 2024.
  19. Web site: Vishnu Deo Sai government defeats Naxalism with proactive Puvarti Model . The New Indian Express . en . 3 March 2024.
  20. Web site: CM Sai-led Cabinet's first decision: 18 lakh poor to get PM Awas . The Indian Express . en . 15 December 2023.
  21. News: Vishnu Deo Sai interview 'When Congress was in power, Naxals believed their own government was ruling' . The Hindu. 19 April 2024 .
  22. Web site: Congress spreading misinformation: CM Sai . The Times of India . 20 April 2024.
  23. Web site: Sikdar . Shubhomoy . Chhattisgarh government transfers outstanding paddy bonus to nearly 12 lakh farmers . The Hindu . en-IN . 25 December 2023.
  24. Web site: Sri Ram Darshan . One India.
  25. Web site: Chhattisgarh Implements tendu patta pluckers' pay raise and women's empowerment scheme . The Times of India . 1 February 2024.
  26. Web site: Chhattisgarh govt transfers ₹13,320 cr to 2.4 mn farmers under 'Krishak Unnati' scheme . H Times. 13 March 2024 .
  27. Web site: Mitra . Hritika . Chhattisgarh govt launches input assistance scheme for farmers, transfers Rs 13,320 crore . indiatvnews.com . en . 12 March 2024.
  28. Web site: Mahtari vandana Yojana : CM Vishnu deo Sai ने ट्रांसफर किए करोड़ों रुपये CG News Top News . News18 हिंदी . hi.
  29. Web site: विष्णु देव साय सरकार के 6 महीने पूरे, किसानों, महिलाओं और युवाओं के लिए हुए ये काम, देखिए रिपोर्ट कार्ड . mpcg.ndtv.in . hi.
  30. Web site: मुख्यमंत्री साय ने वित्तीय वर्ष खत्म होने का दिया हवाला, अगली तारीख बताई . Bhaskar.
  31. Web site: How Vishnu Deo Sai cabinet took management classes to build a 'Viksit Chhattisgarh' . India Today . en . 5 June 2024.
  32. Web site: Vishnu Deo Sai's Wife, Family: The Tribal Leader BJP Picked As Chhattisgarh CM . Times Now . en . 10 December 2023.