Memorial Day of Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Marks Ascension: Tribal Leader Vishnudeo Sai elevated as the Chief Minister

The year 1857 witnessed the eruption of the First War of Independence, and Veer Narayan Singh played a pivotal role in Chhattisgarh's resistance against the British. His unwavering commitment to the cause of freedom led to his martyrdom on 10th December 1857. Historically on the 166th year of his death anniversary i.e., 10th December 2023, Vishnudeo Sai (A prominent tribal leader) assumes the office of Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh.

Hence this day is going to be unforgettable for the State which has a majority of Tribal population. This is a solid resurgence of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh on the target killing and conversion of the Tribal population and the effect of church. The new Chief Minister, Vishnudeo Sai has an ideology that resonates well with that of Shahid Veer Narayan Singh.

Shahid Veer Narayan Singh, born in the year 1796 in Sonakhan, Chhattisgarh in the binjhwar tribal community stands as a formidable figure in the annals of Indian history. He has played a significant role in uplifting the marginalized societies and the poor. He can be called as the Robin Hood of India as he was dedicated to the welfare of underprivileged. He looted the Trader’s grain stock and distributed it amongst the poor in the severe famine years.

Veer Narayan Singh's influence extends beyond the realms of freedom struggle. His efforts contributed significantly to the upliftment of Scheduled Tribes (ST) and Other Backward Classes (OBC) in the region. By rallying against oppressive policies, he paved the way for social justice and empowerment, leaving a lasting impact on marginalized communities.

Chief Minister Vishnudeo Sai stated in his first address that all the promises made to the public under the ‘Modi ki guarantee’ that they issued in the election manifesto will be fulfilled. Their first task would be to approve the 18 lakh houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. Also on 25th December (birthday of Atal ji) 2 years bonus will be given in the accounts of all the farmers of the state. This aligns well and resonates with the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh’s ideologies of welfare of the underprivileged.

The valour and sacrifice of Shahid Veer Narayan Singh have not only earned him a revered place in the hearts of the people of Chhattisgarh but have also led to numerous governmental initiatives in his name, recognizing and commemorating his contributions to the freedom struggle. The Chhattisgarh government, in acknowledgment of Veer Narayan Singh's heroic role in the fight against colonial rule, instituted the "Shahid Veer Narayan Singh Samman." This award serves as a mark of respect for individuals who exhibit exceptional courage, dedication, and service to the state and work for the upliftment of tribal and other backward societies.

In honour of his sacrifice, the government issued a postal dak ticket featuring his image. Chhattisgarh further solidified its commitment to honouring Veer Narayan Singh by naming an international stadium after him. The stadium, bearing his name, stands as a symbol of the state's pride in its rich history of resilience and resistance. Beyond these initiatives, the government continues to recognize and celebrate Veer Narayan Singh's legacy through various cultural and educational programs.

Now coming back to the present context, In the 2023 Vidhan Sabha election of Chhattisgarh, the Bhartiya Janta Party asserted its prominence with a resounding triumph, elevating Vishnudeo Sai (A prominent tribal leader) to the position of Chief Minister in the state.

It is not merely a coincidence that on the 166th death anniversary of Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh the synchronicity unfolds as Tribal leader Vishnudeo Sai assumes the office of Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh on 10th December 2023, a poignant connection bridging the legacy of the departed leader with the dawn of a new era.

Chhattisgarh, a region rich in tribal heritage, has witnessed a significant milestone in its 23-year history with the appointment of a tribal Chief Minister. This distinguished leader Vishnudeo Sai is poised to diligently address the multifaceted matters and affairs concerning the tribal society of Chhattisgarh, dedicating their efforts to the upliftment and welfare of this unique and culturally diverse community.

Vishnudeo Sai was born in the year 1964 in a farmer family, and he has a profound political experience. Vishnu Dev Sai embarked on his political journey in 1989 as a village Panch, later becoming the Sarpanch of Bagiya. Progressing to broader horizons, he became an MLA from Tapkara in 1990, serving two terms until 1998. In 1999, he secured a seat as an MP in the Raigarh Lok Sabha.

Holding the state party president role in 2006, he resumed his MP duties in 2009 and continued into the 16th Lok Sabha. Notably, he assumed the role of Union Minister of State for Steel, Mines, and Labor Employment during this time. In 2022, he joined the National Working Committee, and in 2020 and July 2023, he was reinstated as the state president and became a National Working Committee member again, respectively.

Though Vishnudeo Sai faced scrutiny regarding his tribal identity due to her mother's unconventional appearance, which raised questions about their tribal affiliation. Sai, a member of the Kanwar tribe, originates from the Kansabel region within Bagiya village and comes from an agricultural heritage.

On the 166th anniversary of Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh's sacrifice, a profound synchronicity unfolded. On this very day, Chhattisgarh witnessed the rise of another tribal leader, Vishnudev Sai, as he assumed the role of Chief Minister. The echoes of history reverberated, marking a poignant convergence of legacies on December 10th. In this remarkable alignment, the torch of tribal leadership passed seamlessly, creating a resonant chapter in Chhattisgarh's history, a testament to the enduring spirit of its tribal leaders.

Article by

Dr. Yogesh Vaishnaw

Media Professor, Chhattisgarh