SAI SPREADS HIS WINGS

CM VISHNU DEO SAI HAS TAKEN A FIRM GRIP OF THE POLITICAL REINS. NOW HE HAS TO FOCUS ON ECONOMIC GROWTH

- Rahul Noronha

Vishnu Deo Sai is finally liberating himself from an image trap that's stalked him ever since he took over as Chhattisgarh chief minister in December 2023. A surprise pick by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) after its unexpected poll victory, observers labelled him "too soft". The only way they read him was via his natural affability, seen as out of alignment with the razor-sharp belligerence of BJP chief ministers like Yogi Adityanath and Himanta Biswa Sarma. Yet, by mid2024, Sai began to change this narrative. Launching an ambitious outreach programme, he has moved beyond his comfort zone and is leveraging governance to redefine his leadership style. Be it the fight against the Maoists or challenges from within the state BJP, Sai is demonstrating a firm grip on the reins as he completes one year in power.