Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai joins the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash in Raipur during the 'Vichaar for Viksit Chhattisgarh' Conclave.

Mr. Sai has had a long political journey. He served as an MLA from 1990 to 1998 and was elected to the Lok Sabha from the Raigarh constituency in 1999. In 2006, he became the Chhattisgarh BJP president and later served as a Union Minister of State. He is also known to have close ties with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

In this episode of the ANI Podcast, He talks about the Waqf Act and what it means for the state, raises concerns about religious conversions, and explains his government's approach to dealing with Naxalism. He also speaks about action being taken against the mining mafia and the plans to develop Nava Raipur into a modern, world-class city.

00:00 – Introduction

00:39 – Childhood Stories

05:42 – First time becoming 'Sarpanch'

06:22 – Mentor for political journey

07:57 – Promises after becoming CM

13:23 – Mahadev betting app scam

15:32 – Developments under BJP govt

18:19 – From rice bowl to IT Park

21:59 – Surrender policies for Naxalites

24:04 – Skilling Naxals

25:34 – End of Naxalism by 2026?

29:22 – From Naxalism to Tourism in Chhattisgarh?

33:00 – Mining Mafia

34:26 – Waqf Act

35:06 – Forced religious conversion

39:01 – 'Ghar Wapsi' program for Hindus

40:35 – 'Rubber stamp CM' Jibe

43:23 – Mahtari Vandana Yojana

45:18 – Odisha-Chhattisgarh Mahanadi Dispute

46:17 – Working for youth development

49:10 – Attacks on journalists