Warships to Be Named After Chhattisgarh’s Rivers; State Proposes Army Recruitment Rallies
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai met Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at his residence in New Delhi today. The two leaders held an extensive discussion on key issues, including the expansion of Bilaspur Airport, the promotion of defence-related activities in the state, the organization of army recruitment rallies across Chhattisgarh, and the naming of naval warships after the state’s rivers.
Union Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs Tokhan Sahu and Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Subodh Kumar Singh were also present during the meeting.
During the discussions, Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai informed Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh that a portion of land belonging to the Defence Ministry is located in Bilaspur. He requested that this land be made available for the expansion of Bilaspur Airport, citing its importance for regional connectivity and strategic development. He also urged the Defence Minister to initiate defence-related industrial and infrastructural projects in the area.
Highlighting the state’s strong pool of motivated and disciplined youth, the Chief Minister said that Chhattisgarh’s youngsters possess remarkable physical fitness and a deep sense of patriotism. He proposed that special army recruitment rallies be organized across the state to give local youth an opportunity to serve the nation from their own homeland.
In a symbolic gesture linking national defence with regional heritage, Chief Minister Sai suggested that new naval warships be named after Chhattisgarh’s rivers and regions, such as INS Indravati, INS Mahanadi, or INS Bastar. He said these names would not only reflect the spiritual and cultural identity of Chhattisgarh but also bring national and international recognition to the state’s legacy.
Chief Minister also apprised the Defence Minister of the state’s new industrial policy, which promotes defence and electronics manufacturing. He emphasized that the initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (Self-Reliant India) and will create new opportunities for high-tech training, research, and private investment in Chhattisgarh.