Raipur (PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said Chhattisgarh's journey in the last 25 years has been an inspiring one as it has now emerged as a symbol of prosperity, security and stability although it was earlier identified with Naxal violence and backwardness.

He also said that a legislative assembly is not merely a place for framing laws but a vibrant centre for shaping the state's destiny.

Speaking after inaugurating the new Chhattisgarh legislative assembly building in Nava Raipur Atal Nagar, PM Modi said every thought emerging from the assembly should reflect the spirit of public service, a commitment to development, and confidence in taking India to greater heights.

"The true significance of the new assembly building's inauguration lies in our collective resolve to perform our duties with sincerity and uphold the spirit of democracy," he said.

All of us need to remember that this legislative assembly is not just a place for making laws, but a vibrant centre and a powerful force in shaping the destiny of Chhattisgarh. Therefore, we must ensure that every idea emanating from here reflects the spirit of public service, the resolve for development, and the belief in taking India to new heights, he said.

We have to build an India, lay the foundation of a Chhattisgarh that can move forward on the path of development while remaining connected to its heritage. 'Nagrik Devo Bhava' (Citizen is God) is the mantra of our good governance, he said.

Laws should be made here that accelerate reforms, making people's lives easier and removing unnecessary government interference from their lives. There should be neither a lack of government presence nor unnecessary influence, he said.

The PM also highlighted India's success in combating terrorism and left-wing extremism, saying, "India has broken the backbone of terrorists. Now Chhattisgarh too is moving towards becoming free of the Maoist violence."

"In the past 25 years, Chhattisgarh has witnessed an inspiring journey, from being known for Naxal violence and backwardness to emerging as a symbol of prosperity, security, and stability. The development wave and smiles have reached the Naxal-affected areas," he said.

He credited this transformation to the hard work of the people of Chhattisgarh and the visionary leadership of successive BJP governments.

India is the mother of democracy. The sacred Sengol (sceptre) inspires Parliament and galleries of the new Parliament connect the world to the legacy of India's democracy, the prime minister noted.

India is moving forward by taking heritage and development together, and this sentiment is evident in every policy and decision of the government, he added.

PM Modi said that Chhattisgarh's 25th anniversary of foundation day celebrations mark the beginning of a larger goal.

By 2047, when India celebrates 100 years of independence, Chhattisgarh will play a crucial role in achieving the vision of a developed India, he said.

Earlier, he unveiled a statue of former prime minister late Atal Bihari Vajpayee on the premises of the newly built Assembly.

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Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka will begin SIR of electoral rolls from June 20 as part of a nationwide exercise covering 16 states and three Union territories, CEO Anbu Kumar said on Friday.

The drive will cover more than 5.55 crore electors in the state, he said.

As per the schedule notified by the Election Commission (EC), preparation, training and printing activities will be carried out from June 20 to June 29 and Booth Level Officers (BLOs) will conduct house-to-house visits from June 30 to July 29.

The rationalisation of polling stations is scheduled to be completed by July 29. The draft electoral roll will be published on August 5, following which claims and objections can be filed between August 5 and September 4.

The notice phase and disposal of claims and objections will continue from August 5 to October 3, and the final electoral roll will be published on October 7, it said.

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Addressing a press conference here, CEO Kumar said that in Karnataka, the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer is fully prepared to proceed with the SIR of electoral rolls.

As part of this exercise, we have successfully mapped 86.46 per cent of our voters, he said.

"The primary objective of this entire exercise is to ensure that every eligible voter is enrolled, while simultaneously ensuring that no ineligible individuals are included in the voter list. Therefore, I seek the support and cooperation of all the voters of Karnataka, all political parties, and our friends from the media," he added.

According to the statement issued by the CEO's office, 59,050 BLOs will be involved in the SIR of the electoral roll in the state. The exercise will cover approximately 5,55,74,064 electors in the state as of May 12.

The SIR is a participative and transparent exercise involving electors, political parties and the election machinery. During the revision process, BLOs will undertake house-to-house visits for the distribution and collection of enumeration forms, the statement said.

Stating that there are currently 25,284 Booth Level Agents (BLAs) appointed by recognised political parties, the CEO urged all recognised political parties to appoint BLAs for every polling station to ensure active participation and transparency in the revision process.

Electors have been requested to cooperate with BLOs during the house-to-house distribution and collection of enumeration forms.

Further details regarding the revision process, forms and schedule will be made available on the official websites of the District Election Officers, the Chief Electoral Officer, Karnataka, and the Election Commission of India, the statement said.