Raipur : The Honorable Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, inaugurated the new Legislative Assembly building in Nava Raipur (Atal Nagar) today in a solemn ceremony. Present on the occasion were the Governor, Shri Ramen Deka, the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, Shri Om Birla, the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, Dr. Raman Singh, the Chief Minister, Shri Vishnudev Sai, the Union Minister, Shri Tokhan Sahu, the Leader of the Opposition, Dr. Charandas Mahant, the Lok Sabha MP, Shri Brijmohan Agrawal, members of the Council of Ministers, MLAs, former MLAs, State Legislative Assembly Secretary, Shri Dinesh Sharma, the Chairman, Vice Chairman, and members of the District Panchayat, the Mayor, Chairman, and Leader of the Opposition of the Municipal Corporation, the Chairman of the Municipal Council/Town Panchayat, the Padma Shri and Padma Vibhushan awardees, the Vice Chancellors of universities, former MPs and former MLAs, literary luminaries, senior administrative officers of the government, and media representatives.
On the arrival of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi at the new Vidhan Sabha premises, he was welcomed by dance troupes of Chhattisgarh through folk art and folk dance. The Hon’ble Prime Minister unveiled the statue of “Bharat Ratna” and former Prime Minister Hon’ble Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee in the new Vidhan Sabha premises. On this occasion, Hon’ble Prime Minister planted a “Rudraksha” sapling in the Vidhan Sabha premises. On this occasion, the release of the souvenir “Utkarsh” based on the 25 years of parliamentary journey of Chhattisgarh Vidhan Sabha was also done by the Hon’ble Prime Minister.
The ceiling of the sanctum sanctorum of the new Legislative Assembly building has been designed in the form of a “rice bowl.” The interiors are themed after rice stalks, and the furniture of the House has been created using Bastar woodwork by artisans from Bastar. The House has a total area of 16,000 square feet, with a seating capacity of 200 honorable members.
Addressing the gathering, Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi said, “Today marks the golden beginning of Chhattisgarh. Fortunately, this year is also the Amrit Varsh of the Indian Republic.” He remembered the great men of Chhattisgarh who, along with Dr. Ambedkar, played a crucial role in drafting the Constitution. He said, “This is not just a ceremony to inaugurate a building, but a celebration of 25 years of public aspiration, struggle, and pride in the state. Today, Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s dream is coming true.”
Hon’ble Prime Minister said that the history of Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly has been a source of inspiration. Starting the journey of democracy from Jashpur Hall of Rajkumar College, Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly has travelled a journey of infinite possibilities with limited resources. He said that the new Legislative Assembly building is a pilgrimage site of democracy. Expressing hope, he said that this building will become the centre of policy, destiny and policy factors of the state. He said that Bastar art has been used in the building, which is a symbol of creativity. Remembering Guru Ghasidas Baba, he reiterated his principle “Manke Manke Ek Saman” and the pledge of Nar Seva Narayan Seva.
Earlier, in his welcome address, Legislative Assembly Speaker Dr. Raman Singh said that it is a historic occasion for Chhattisgarh that on the occasion of the silver jubilee of the formation of Chhattisgarh, this new building of the Legislative Assembly, equipped with all the facilities, has been inaugurated by the Honorable Prime Minister in his dignified presence. This building has become a vibrant confluence of modernity and tradition. It is also a symbol of Chhattisgarh’s rich culture, tradition and faith. He said that the new Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly has been constructed using indigenous construction materials and as per the wishes of the Honorable Prime Minister, about 23 thousand trees have been planted here to keep the entire campus green.
Dr. Raman Singh, while welcoming the Hon’ble Prime Minister, said that this moment of inauguration of the new Chhattisgarh Vidhan Sabha Bhawan by the hands of Hon’ble Prime Minister, who has built Ram Temple in Ayodhya, removed Article 370 from Kashmir, eradicated Naxalism from the country and the state, arranged food for 80 crore people, opened 55 crore Jan Dhan accounts, approved construction of 4 crore houses for the poor, free treatment up to Rs. 10 lakh and lifted 25 crore people of the country above the poverty line, is a historic one.
In his address on this occasion, Hon’ble Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla said that the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly has deep faith in democratic institutions. The Legislative Assembly of any state is the center of public faith. He expressed hope that the decisions taken through dialogue in the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly will open the path to prosperity and development. He said that this building of the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly will become a symbol not only of the democratic system but also of Chhattisgarh’s identity, progress and tradition.
On this occasion, Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai said in his address that on the occasion of the Silver Jubilee of the formation of Chhattisgarh state, the country’s illustrious Prime Minister Hon’ble Shri Narendra Modi ji, who is also recognized as a global leader, under the leadership of Hon’ble Modi ji, the country has achieved unprecedented progress, today in the presence of Hon’ble Prime Minister, the state is celebrating its ‘Silver Jubilee’. This new ultra-modern building of Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly has joined the select Legislative Assemblies of the country. He also mentioned the parliamentary journey and achievements of Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly.
On this occasion, Honorable Governor Shri Ramen Deka felicitated Honorable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi by presenting him with a sal coconut. Honorable Legislative Assembly Speaker Dr. Raman Singh also presented a replica of the new Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly building to Honorable Prime Minister as a memento.
