Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Sunday said the State is moving towards 'Vikasit Chhattisgarh' as ongoing Centre-led anti-Naxal operations are likely to soon wipe out Maoists from the region. Speaking after unveiling the bronze statue of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee at Gorakshanapet in Rajamahendravaram, he said, "Chhattisgarh continued to suffer backwardness despite being rich in forests and mineral resources due to Left Wing Extremism." He thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for their commitment and support in eliminating Maoist violence. The Chief Minister was accompanied by Union Minister of State for Steel and Heavy Industries B. Srinivasa Varma and BJP Andhra Pradesh State president P.V.N. Madhav during the ceremony. Referring to Andhra Pradesh and Chhattisgarh ties, Mr. Vishnu Deo Sai said the Raipur–Visakhapatnam six-lane expressway under construction will reduce travel time by about five hours and is expected to be ready by end of 2026. He shared that the administrative capital of Chhattisgarh is named Atal Nagar to honor Vajpayee, who played a key role in creating the State. The government plans to name 100 parks after Vajpayee on December 25 and ensure every town has at least one street bearing his name. Mr. Vishnu Deo Sai recalled Vajpayee's work, mentioning, "the former Prime Minister had created a unique Ministry for Tribal Welfare." Union Minister Srinivasa Varma, BJP state president Madhav, and other leaders said Vajpayee’s belief that "Andhera chhatega, suraj niklega, kamal khilega" continues to inspire the party. The event also saw a bike rally as part of the Atal–Modi Suparipalana Yatra. Health Minister Satyakumar Yadav, Minister for Tourism and Culture Kandula Durgesh, Rajamahendravaram MP D. Purandeswari, city MLA Adireddy Srinivas and others joined the rally.