In a striking display of patriotism and unity, the Chhattisgarh government organized an extraordinary Tiranga Yatra on Saturday, reaching every town, village, and panchayat across the state. Under the theme “Citizens for National Security,” the event united people from diverse backgrounds in a heartfelt tribute to the armed forces and a reaffirmation of national solidarity.

Participants, including schoolchildren, community leaders, elected officials, and everyday citizens, proudly marched with the tricolor aloft, chanting slogans like “We Stand with Our Forces” and “Nation with Operation Sindoor.”

The flagship rally took place in Charai Dand village in Jashpur district, led by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, alongside MLA Raimuni Bhagat, Municipal Council President Arvind Bhagat, District Panchayat President Salik Sai, and Commissioner Narendra Kumar Dugga.

Simultaneous rallies were held across all 33 districts, reaching every gram panchayat and urban local body. The response was tremendous, featuring large participation from students, NCC cadets, veterans, public officials, and community members. The unified message resonated clearly: Chhattisgarh stands steadfastly with the brave soldiers protecting the nation.

This event held special significance in light of recent counter-terrorism achievements by the Indian Army. Chief Minister Sai stated, “Operation Sindoor has conveyed a powerful message globally—our resolve is unbreakable. These rallies illustrate that national security is not solely the duty of our armed forces, but a collective responsibility.”

To ensure seamless execution, the state government made extensive preparations. Tricolor flags were distributed generously, and mobile units played patriotic songs as they traversed streets and rural pathways, setting an emotional atmosphere for the day.

Areas like Raipur, Durg, Bilaspur, and Jashpur saw particularly impressive turnout, with strong participation from tribal communities, women’s groups, and student organizations. Participants across districts took solemn pledges to uphold national unity, peace, and integrity.

On Saturday, Congress organized protests throughout Madhya Pradesh in response to controversial remarks made by State Tribal Affairs Minister Vijay Shah and Deputy Chief Minister Jagdish Devda regarding Colonel Sofiya Qureshi and the Indian Army. The situation escalated when BJP Lok Sabha Member Faggan Singh Kulaste inadvertently referred to terrorists as “our terrorists” during a statement in Dindori district, further fueling the controversy.

In Indore, Congress activists symbolically depicted Prime Minister Narendra Modi as ‘Dhritrashtra’ from the Mahabharata by blindfolding a photo of him and placing a lock and chain over his mouth, illustrating their disapproval of his silence on the statements made by the BJP leaders.

In Ratlam, Women Congress members adorned a photo of Vijay Shah with bangles, signifying cowardice. Effigies were burned, and the photos of the three BJP leaders were blackened in various cities, towns, and rural areas across Madhya Pradesh.

A meeting of ex-servicemen was held at the state Congress headquarters in Bhopal, where retired Major Shyamsundar expressed that the BJP leaders’ remarks had saddened even former soldiers. He warned that if no stringent action is taken against the leaders, the government will be held accountable. He announced that ex-servicemen nationwide would join protests if the issue remains unaddressed.

Protests in Ujjain and Mandsaur also saw clashes between Congress workers and police.