Raipur, Nov 1 (NationPress) On Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the splendid new Chhattisgarh Assembly building in Nava Raipur with a ceremonial ribbon cutting, celebrating the state’s 25th foundation day infused with cultural pride and modern governance.

He also unveiled a life-sized statue of former Prime Minister and Bharat Ratna awardee Atal Bihari Vajpayee and participated in planting a sapling as part of the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” initiative, reinforcing a commitment to the environment.

Joined by Governor Raman Deka, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, and Chhattisgarh Assembly Speaker Raman Singh, PM Modi recognized the complex as a symbol of the state’s progress since its inception in 2000.

“This Vidhan Sabha is more than just a building; it embodies the essence of democracy, grounded in tradition yet aspiring towards innovation,” he stated, addressing a crowd of legislators, tribal artists, and citizens.

Spanning 51 acres in Nava Raipur Atal Nagar, the ₹324 crore complex replaces previous makeshift venues that included a private school and government offices.

Crafted around the theme “Dharti Dhurandhar,” this structure intricately combines Chhattisgarhi heritage with state-of-the-art sustainability. The assembly hall offers a seating capacity of 200 (expandable post-delimitation) and features a ceiling adorned with carvings of rice grains and leaves, paying homage to the state’s identity as the “Rice Bowl”.

Tribal motifs embellish doors and walls, celebrating the art and craftsmanship of Bastar. The complex is designed with eco-friendly features from the ground up, including solar panels, rainwater harvesting, and green spaces.

The building consists of three blocks, a 500-seat auditorium, parking for 850 vehicles, and integrated facilities such as allopathic, homoeopathic, and Ayurvedic hospitals, along with a bank, post office, and canteen to serve public needs on the lower ground floor.

“This is a people-centric Vidhan Sabha, transparent and inclusive,” commented Chief Minister Sai.

The ceremony, part of Chhattisgarh’s silver jubilee celebrations, resonated with Vajpayee’s legacy, as he was instrumental in the formation of the state from Madhya Pradesh. PM Modi paid tribute to his predecessor by stating, “Atal ji’s vision gifted Chhattisgarh its identity; today, this building continues to fulfill his dream.”

The unveiling of the bronze statue, set amidst beautifully landscaped gardens, received applause as schoolchildren waved tricolor flags.

This event coincided with earlier inaugurations of ₹14,260 crore in road, health, and energy projects, and a touching interaction with 2,500 children who have been treated for heart defects.

As the national flag unfurled atop the dome, Chhattisgarh embarked on its next quarter-century with a legislative landmark that harmonizes heritage, democracy, and sustainability.