Vishnu Deo Sai: The First Tribal Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh

Biography of Vishnu Deo Sai: Vishnu Deo Sai is an Indian politician currently serving as the 4th Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh. He is the first tribal leader to hold the post. He also served as president of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Chhattisgarh from 2020 until 2022. He currently represents Kunkuri in Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly.

Biography of Vishnu Deo Sai: Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh

Full Name	Vishnu Deo Sai
Date of Birth	February 21, 1964
Place of Birth	Bagiya village, Jashpur district, Chhattisgarh
Education	Higher Secondary (Loyola Higher Secondary School, Kunkuri) – 10th Pass
Father’s Name	Shri Ram Prasad Sai
Mother’s Name	Smt. Jashmani Devi
Spouse’s Name	Smt. Kaushalya Devi
Political Party	Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
Current Position	Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh (since December 2023)
Previous Positions	– President, Chhattisgarh BJP (2020-2022) – Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) for four terms (1999-2014) – Minister of State for Steel, Mines, Labour & Employment (2014-2019) – Member of Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly (two terms – 1990-1998)
Key Achievements	– First tribal leader to be Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh – Led BJP to victory in 2023 state elections – Focuses on development and tribal welfare initiatives
Personal Life	– Married with three children
Religion	Hinduism

Who is Vishnu Deo Sai?

Vishnu Deo Sai is the current Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh and a tribal leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He has been a member of the state and national legislature for several years and has also served as a Union Minister of State in the past. He is the first tribal person to become the Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh. He was born in a farmer’s family in Bagia village of Jashpur district on 21 February 1964. He belongs to the Kanwar tribe. He married Kaushalya Devi in 1991 and has three children. He completed his schooling from Loyola Higher Secondary School, Kunkuri.

He started his political career as a sarpanch (village head) of Bagia. He then contested and won the Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly elections in 1990 and 1993 from Tapkara constituency. After the formation of Chhattisgarh in 2000, he shifted to Raigarh Lok Sabha constituency and won four consecutive terms from 1999 to 2019. He also served as the state president of BJP three times, in 2006, 2014, and 2020. He was appointed as the Union Minister of State for Mines, Steel, and Labour & Employment in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s first term from 2014 to 2019. In 2023, he returned to state politics and won the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly election from Kunkuri. He was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh on 13 December 2023, after BJP secured an absolute majority in the state assembly.

Early Life and Education

Sai was born in a farmer’s family in Bagia village of Jashpur district to Ram Prasad Sai and Jashmani Devi on 21 February 1964. Sai belongs to Kanwar tribe. He married Kaushalya Devi in 1991 and has three children. He completed his schooling from Loyola Higher Secondary School, Kunkuri.

Also Read: Bhupesh Baghel: 3rd Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh

Political Career

Sai’s political career started in his village Bagia, where he became a sarpanch (village head). He then contested and won the Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly elections in 1990 and 1993 from Tapkara constituency. After the formation of Chhattisgarh in 2000, he shifted to Raigarh Lok Sabha constituency and won four consecutive terms from 1999 to 2019. He also served as the state president of BJP three times, in 2006, 2014, and 2020. He was appointed as the Union Minister of State for Mines, Steel, and Labour & Employment in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s first term from 2014 to 2019. In 2023, he returned to state politics and won the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly election from Kunkuri. He was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh on 13 December 2023, after BJP secured an absolute majority in the state assembly.

Achievements and Challenges

As the Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, Sai has initiated several development projects and welfare schemes for the people of the state, especially the tribal and rural population. He has focused on improving the infrastructure, health, education, agriculture, and industrial sectors of the state. He has also taken steps to combat the Naxalite insurgency and maintain law and order in the state. Some of the major achievements of his government are:

Launching the Mukhyamantri Ghar Ghar Bijli Yojana, which aims to provide free electricity connections to all households in the state by 2025.
Implementing the Mukhyamantri Bal Hriday Suraksha Yojana, which provides free treatment for children suffering from congenital heart diseases.
Introducing the Mukhyamantri Krishi Aashirwad Yojana, which gives direct cash transfers to farmers based on their land holdings.
Establishing the Mukhyamantri Swasthya Bima Yojana, which covers the medical expenses of the poor and vulnerable sections of the society up to Rs. 5 lakh per year.
Creating the Mukhyamantri Yuva Swabhiman Yojana, which guarantees 100 days of employment and skill development for the unemployed youth of the state.

However, Sai also faces several challenges and criticisms as the Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh. Some of the major issues that he has to deal with are:

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which has affected the health and economy of the state severely. Sai has been accused of mishandling the crisis and failing to provide adequate testing, vaccination, and relief measures to the people.
The opposition from the Congress party, which has alleged corruption, nepotism, and misgovernance in his administration. The Congress leader and former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel has challenged Sai’s legitimacy and demanded a fresh election in the state.
The social and environmental impact of the mining and industrial activities in the state, which have caused displacement, pollution, and deforestation. Sai has been criticized for favoring the corporate interests over the rights and welfare of the tribal and forest dwellers.

Leading Chhattisgarh into a New Era

The 2023 Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly elections proved to be a turning point in Sai’s career. Leading the BJP to a resounding victory, he was chosen as the next Chief Minister, making history as the first tribal leader to hold the post. This significant achievement not only marked a personal triumph but also symbolized a new chapter for the state, with a tribal leader at the helm.

Focus on Development and Tribal Welfare

Since assuming office in December 2023, Sai has outlined a vision for inclusive development, focusing on improving the lives of all sections of society, with a particular emphasis on tribal welfare. His initiatives include promoting education and healthcare in tribal areas, empowering women, and creating sustainable livelihoods.

A Leader with a Grounded Vision

Despite reaching the pinnacle of power, Sai remains deeply connected to his roots. He frequently visits his village, interacting with locals and understanding their concerns firsthand. This grounded perspective informs his policies and ensures that the needs of the people remain at the core of his governance.

Also Read: Biography of TS Singhdeo: Deputy Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh

Looking Ahead: Charting a New Course

Vishnu Deo Sai’s journey is far from over. As the Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, he faces the challenge of leading the state on a path of progress and prosperity. His commitment to development, coupled with his understanding of the unique needs of the tribal population, positions him well to navigate these challenges and create a brighter future for Chhattisgarh.

It is important to note that this biography is based on publicly available information and may not be exhaustive. It is also written in a neutral and objective style, avoiding any personal opinions or biases.

A state with a significant tribal population. He has a long and varied political experience, both at the state and the national level. He has also shown his commitment and vision for the development and progress of Chhattisgarh. However, he also faces many challenges and controversies in his tenure as the Chief Minister. He has to balance the interests and aspirations of the diverse and complex society of Chhattisgarh, while also dealing with the external and internal threats to the state’s security and stability. He has to prove his mettle and leadership in the coming years, as he leads Chhattisgarh towards a new era of growth and prosperity.