Warmth on Display at NITI Aayog Meeting: When Prime Minister Narendra Modi Held CM Vishnu Deo Sai’s Hand and Said – “Chhattisgarh’s Story Is Yet to Be Told”

Raipur, May 24, 2025:
A heartfelt moment emerged during the meeting of the NITI Aayog Governing Council, drawing everyone’s attention. During the lunch break, Prime Minister Narendra Modi warmly held the hand of Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai and, with a smile, said, “Chhattisgarh’s story is yet to be told.”
This one sentence reflected the Prime Minister’s affection, trust, and special interest in the state. Present nearby, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin also smiled, witnessing the exchange.

Prime Minister Modi appreciated the positive transformation taking place in the tribal regions of Chhattisgarh, the surge in industrial investment, and the concrete steps being taken by the state government toward building an “Atmanirbhar Bastar” (Self-Reliant Bastar). Chief Minister Sai shared how Bastar is evolving from a region once known for conflict into a symbol of potential — where once there were guns, now there are machines, laptops, and discussions about startups.

From establishing the country’s first semiconductor unit and AI data center in Naya Raipur to the auction of lithium blocks, Chhattisgarh is moving toward becoming a resource-rich state and playing an increasingly vital role in the nation’s development.

This moment was not just a formal exchange but a spontaneous acknowledgment and appreciation by Prime Minister Modi of Chief Minister Sai’s dedicated efforts for Chhattisgarh’s growth. While states across the country presented their development models at the NITI Aayog meeting, Chhattisgarh’s presentation received the Prime Minister’s special interest and praise.
This is a clear indication that Chhattisgarh is no longer just an emerging state, but one poised to play a decisive role in the comprehensive development of the nation.