President Murmu calls to end Maoism in Chhattisgarh

The silver jubilee celebration of the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly marked a historic moment as President Draupadi Murmu called for the eradication of Maoism and highlighted the state’s exemplary democratic traditions. Speaking in Raipur on Monday, she emphasized unity, empowerment, and development as key drivers for Chhattisgarh’s future.

Beginning with “Jai Johar!” President Murmu congratulated the Assembly on its 25th anniversary and paid tribute to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee for his visionary leadership in creating the state.

She commended the Assembly for its high standards of parliamentary conduct, including the unique rule of automatic suspension for members disrupting proceedings. Notably, in 25 years, no marshal has ever been required to restore order, positioning the Chhattisgarh Vidhan Sabha as a model of legislative discipline.

The President highlighted Chhattisgarh’s rich cultural heritage and the power of women in the state, urging its 19 women MLAs to drive women’s empowerment and inclusive development. She referenced the contributions of Mini Mata, Chhattisgarh’s first woman MP, as an inspiration for women leaders.

Recognizing Chhattisgarh’s rural character, she praised its healthy sex ratio and women’s role across various fields, calling for collective efforts to further their empowerment.

Over the past 25 years, the Assembly has passed 565 bills, many aimed at social welfare and inclusive progress. She highlighted a landmark Act against harassment based on stereotypes as a significant achievement.

President Murmu also pointed to Chhattisgarh’s economic potential in industries such as cement, steel, minerals, and power generation, as well as its globally recognized traditional crafts. She stressed the importance of ecological preservation alongside industrial progress, mentioning the state’s beautiful rivers, including Mahanadi, Hasdeo, Indravati, and Shivnath.

A major theme of her speech was the call to end Maoism, as affected communities increasingly embrace development. She expressed confidence that Chhattisgarh is at a decisive stage in integrating individuals impacted by extremism into mainstream society.

“I firmly believe that your unwavering dedication will soon lead to the complete eradication of extremism from Chhattisgarh, paving the way for a remarkable and transformative chapter in the state’s history,” she said.

President Murmu reiterated that the state’s future should be guided by the principles of Guru Ghasidas, emphasizing equality and harmony. She expressed confidence that the Assembly would continue driving comprehensive development and governance excellence, positioning Chhattisgarh as a model state blending tradition, progress, and inclusivity.