GETTING DOWN TO BRASS TACKS

Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai is confident of doing well in the Lok Sabha polls. His commitment to both promised government schemes and areas of economic focus shows a deft balance between welfare and development

- Rahul Noronha

Two days after moving into the official residence earmarked for him-a sprawling colonial-era bungalow in Raipur's Civil Lines-Chhattisgarh's fourth chief minister and the first from the tribal community to hold the post, Vishnu Deo Sai, had a packed schedule. On March 9, Union defence minister Rajnath Singh was in the city for a political programme that ran a bit beyond schedule. The CM had committed to visiting an ashram in neighbouring Sonpairi village in the evening; he planned to return by 8.30 pm. After running late, Vishnu Deo shared with his aides that he may not be able to make it, but eventually gave in to the ashram head's insistence. Vishnu Deo finally left at 9, only to return to the CM House past 11 pm.

Back home, a large number of people were still waiting to see him from all over the state, many coming from as far off as Jashpur, his home district, some 450 km from the state capital. Some of those waiting feared that the CM, who had had a long day, would not meet them. But they probably didn't know of Vishnu Deo's mildmannered, affable style of functioning.

Others vouch for his inherently inclusive nature. "Even if it takes another two hours, Vishnu Deoji will meet everyone. That's how he has been ever since his MLA days. He understands the importance of a personal connect," says a businessman from Korba who has known him for many years. Just then, the CM appeared in the waiting hall and greeted everyone, many of them by their first name-a clear sign of a man who has risen through the ranks. When he finally had time to speak with INDIA TODAY, it was well past midnight.