Patel’s Ideals Guide Our Resolve for a Safe, Prosperous and Developed Chhattisgarh: Vijay Sharma

Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Vijay Sharma takes the salute during the National Unity Day parade marking Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s 151st birth anniversary at the Fourth Battalion of the Chhattisgarh Armed Force in Mana, Raipur, on Saturday, October 31, 2026. Photo: primelookindia.com via CG/DPR

Deputy Chief Minister takes salute at National Unity Day parade in Mana; pays tribute to fallen personnel and highlights Bastar’s aspirations for peace and development

Key Highlights

• Vijay Sharma attends the National Unity Day parade marking Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s 151st birth anniversary.
• Deputy Chief Minister attributes progress against Maoist violence to security personnel, coordinated government efforts and public cooperation.
• Roads, electricity, education, healthcare, connectivity and employment remain central to the government’s development priorities for Bastar.
• Bastar Fighters women commandos, DRG and STF personnel represent Chhattisgarh at the national parade in Gujarat’s Ekta Nagar.
• Exhibition and theatrical performance honour the sacrifices of security personnel and depict the journey towards peace.

Raipur: Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Vijay Sharma on Saturday reaffirmed the Chhattisgarh government’s commitment to building a safe, prosperous and developed state inspired by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s ideals, while describing the progress against Maoist violence as an opportunity to strengthen peace, public confidence and development in Bastar.

Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Vijay Sharma, along with public representatives, police officers and other participants, takes the pledge to uphold national unity, integrity and security during the National Unity Day programme in Mana, Raipur, on Saturday, October 31, 2026. Photo: primelookindia.com via CG/DPR

Sharma was attending the National Unity Day parade at the Fourth Battalion of the Chhattisgarh Armed Force in Mana, Raipur, on October 31, marking the 151st birth anniversary of the leader remembered as India’s Iron Man.

He took the parade salute, witnessed the march-past and administered a pledge to uphold the country’s unity, integrity and security. Paying homage to Patel, he extended National Unity Day greetings to the people of the state.

“Following Sardar Patel’s ideals, we are committed to building a safe, prosperous and developed Chhattisgarh.”

Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Vijay Sharma views photographs commemorating security personnel who lost their lives in Maoist violence, during the National Unity Day programme in Mana, Raipur, on Saturday, October 31, 2026. Public representatives and police officials accompany him. Photo: primelookindia.com via CG/DPR

Recalling Patel’s contribution to integrating more than 560 princely states into the Indian Union, Sharma said his determination, foresight and leadership had helped lay the foundations of a united India.

He emphasised that national unity extended beyond geographical integration. It also required trust in the nation, dedication to its well-being and a shared sense of responsibility among citizens. Patel’s life, he added, continued to inspire efforts to strengthen India’s unity and internal security.

Peace in Bastar must translate into opportunities

Describing the occasion as particularly significant for Chhattisgarh, Sharma credited the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the guidance of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, coordinated action by the Centre and state government, and the courage of security personnel for what he called historic progress against Maoist violence.

He also acknowledged the contribution of local communities, saying the desire for peace among Bastar’s residents and their cooperation had been essential to these efforts.

Areas once affected by violence and fear were witnessing renewed hope, he said, adding that security personnel had served with courage and commitment in exceptionally difficult conditions.

“This success belongs not only to the security forces, but also to the people of Bastar—their trust, cooperation and aspiration for peace.”

Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Vijay Sharma with public representatives and senior police officers during the National Unity Day celebrations at the Fourth Battalion of the Chhattisgarh Armed Force in Mana, Raipur, on Saturday, October 31, 2026. Photo: primelookindia.com via CG/DPR

The Deputy Chief Minister stressed that improved security must be accompanied by access to essential services and livelihoods.

“Our goal is not merely to end Naxalism, but to take roads, electricity, education, healthcare, communication and employment opportunities to every village in Bastar.”

Development initiatives, he added, must respect the region’s tribal cultures, traditions and local aspirations. He described Bastar’s residents as active participants in shaping their future.

“The people of Bastar are not merely beneficiaries of development schemes; they are key partners in building a peaceful, prosperous and brighter future for their region.”

Calling for collective responsibility, Sharma urged citizens to advance peace, security, social harmony and development, and help place Chhattisgarh among the country’s leading developed states.

Tribute to personnel who laid down their lives

During the programme, Sharma visited a photographic exhibition commemorating security personnel killed in Maoist violence. He offered floral tributes and honoured their sacrifice.

The exhibition documented police operations, the courage and service of personnel, and welfare activities undertaken by the police department.

Sharma said the emerging peace in Bastar rested on the dedication and sacrifices of those who had served in the region.

“Behind the peace taking root in Bastar are the courage, sacrifice and dedication of our brave personnel. Those who laid down their lives for the security of the country and the state will always be remembered.”

Chhattisgarh personnel participate in Ekta Nagar parade

Participants at the Mana ceremony also watched a live broadcast of the national Unity Day parade from Ekta Nagar in Gujarat.

Personnel from central armed police forces, state police forces and central police organisations involved in combating Left-wing extremism participated in the national event.

Chhattisgarh Police was represented by personnel from the Bastar Fighters, District Reserve Guard (DRG) and Special Task Force (STF).

DSP Brij Kishore Yadav served as second-in-command. Bastar Fighters women commandos marched under DSP Amrita Paikra, the DRG contingent was led by DSP Kuldeep Banjare, and STF personnel participated under DSP Omprakash Singh.

Their participation brought national visibility to units that have played significant roles in anti-Maoist operations in Chhattisgarh.

Stage presentation depicts the journey towards peace

A theatrical presentation at Mana portrayed the struggle against Maoist violence and the journey towards peace and development.

Featuring young performers from Bastar, the production depicted the circumstances surrounding the rise of extremism, its impact on communities, security operations, the sacrifices of personnel and the aspirations of ordinary people.

The performance drew appreciation from the gathering, which included schoolchildren, citizens and families of fallen personnel.

MLAs Sunil Soni and Motilal Sahu, Additional Directors General of Police Pradeep Gupta and Amit Kumar, Inspector General of Police Ankit Garg, and other senior police officials attended the ceremony.