Chhattisgarh Chief Minister-designate Vishnu Deo Sai has made strong allegations against the Congress, accusing the party of treating tribals as mere vote banks and neglecting their welfare. The prominent tribal leader from the state was elected as the legislative party leader during a meeting of 54 newly elected BJP lawmakers on Sunday.

Addressing the media, Mr. Sai emphasized the Bharatiya Janata Party's commitment to the development, well-being, and respect of the tribal communities. He stated that the tribals are well aware that under the BJP rule, their interests are duly looked after, and the party remains their only true well-wisher.

Highlighting the BJP's past initiatives, Mr. Sai pointed out that under BJP's tenure, a separate tribal development ministry was established, and a tribal community member, Droupadi Murmu, became the President of the country. He also reminded reporters that former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who founded Chhattisgarh, had prioritized the welfare of tribal communities.

Commencing his role as the Chief Minister-designate, Sai paid tribute to Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh, a freedom fighter of tribal origin, on his death anniversary. This gesture exemplified the BJP leader's commitment to honoring the contributions of tribal leaders in the freedom struggle.

However, Mr. Sai did not hesitate to criticize the Congress, stating that the party has long considered tribals as a mere vote bank, exploiting their support without taking substantive actions for their betterment. This accusation reflects the BJP's ongoing campaign to gain support from tribal communities not just in Chhattisgarh but also in neighboring tribal-dominated states like Odisha and Jharkhand.

Following his public appearance, the Chief Minister-designate returned to his residence in Vidhayak Colony, where he received a warm welcome from his family members and party workers.

With Vishnu Deo Sai's appointment as the Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, the political landscape in the state is set to undergo a new phase. As the BJP government prepares to assume power, all eyes will be on the new Chief Minister to deliver on his promises and ensure the welfare and development of the tribal communities that he claims to champion.