JASHPUR: On the centenary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai led the groundbreaking ceremony for the Atal Complex project in a state-level program held at Saliya Toli, Jashpur. The event saw virtual participation from urban bodies across the state.

Addressing the gathering virtually, Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai recalled his time as a Member of Parliament working alongside Vajpayee. “Along with being an outstanding politician, Atal was a poet and litterateur whose speeches captivated everyone. He gave us a separate Chhattisgarh state, and under his blessings, the state is witnessing rapid development,” he said. He also noted Vajpayee's landmark initiatives, such as establishing road networks and introducing credit cards for farmers.

Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao inaugurated the Atal Complex in Bilha and announced development works worth ₹16 crore. Paying tribute to Vajpayee, Sao remarked, “He was a leader of versatile talent who raised India’s global stature. From delivering a historic Hindi speech at the UN in 1977 to conducting nuclear tests in Pokhran in 1998, Atal Ji showcased India’s strength to the world.” Sao credited Vajpayee for fulfilling his promise to create Chhattisgarh and emphasized that the current government under Sai is working to realize his vision, with robust support from the "double-engine government."

The program in Bilha, presided over by MLA Dharamlal Kaushik, further celebrated Vajpayee’s contributions. “If not for Atal Ji, Chhattisgarh would not have achieved this level of progress. His initiatives, such as nuclear testing and the Quadrilateral Project, epitomize good governance,” said Kaushik.