PM Modi to inaugurate 324 cr new assembly complex in Nava Raipur

Raipur: From holding its first session under a tent in 2000 to moving into a grand Rs 324-crore complex in Nava Raipur, the Chhattisgarh Assembly's 25-year journey reflects the state's progress and self-reliant spirit. Set to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Nov 1, 2025, the new building embodies the ‘Make in Chhattisgarh' concept, with every element developed locally. Designed with a 100-year vision, the complex is built to accommodate future needs, including an expected increase in Assembly seats after delimitation.Twenty-five years after holding its first session under a temporary tent, the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly is preparing to move into a state-of-the-art complex in Nava Raipur. The new building will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Nov 1, 2025 — coinciding with the state's Silver Jubilee celebrations.When Chhattisgarh was carved out of erstwhile MP on Nov 1, 2000, the newly formed state had limited administrative infrastructure. Its inaugural Assembly session, convened under then chief minister Ajit Jogi, was held on Dec 14, 2000, in a makeshift structure at Jashpur Hall of Rajkumar College (RKC), Raipur.Former speaker gaurishankar agrawal told TOI that the proposal for a new Vidhan Sabha building was mooted during his tenure as speaker from 2013 to 2018. However, due to budget constraints, the project could not take off. Former principal secretary of the assembly, Chandrashekhar Gangrade, recalled that the Secretariat's early work began in two rooms of the DKS Hospital building and, on some days, even under a Peepal tree at RKC. The session, which concluded on Dec 18 or 19, saw members take oath, elect the Speaker, and form committees. Rajendra Prasad Shukla, the first Speaker, presided over the proceedings. Since Ajit Jogi was not yet elected to the House, he did not take oath during that session, while 23 ministers were sworn in on his behalf. Then finance minister Ramchandra Singh Deo was the first to take oath, followed by Premsai Singh Tekam. Nandkumar Sai, elected the first leader of opposition from the BJP, became the first member to take oath, delivering it in Sanskrit.After the temporary session, the Assembly Secretariat was relocated to the central govt's Watershed Mission building in Baronda village on Baloda Bazar Road, where it functioned till the recent monsoon session.The new complex, located adjacent to the State Secretariat in Nava Raipur, covers around 6.22 lakh square feet and has been built at an estimated cost of Rs 324 crore. The building features a 200-seat main hall, 24 ministerial cabins (14 to be operational initially), visitor and media galleries, a 520-seat auditorium, and a 320-seat gallery for visitors and journalists, and a museum. The premises also include parking for 700 vehicles and medical facilities for Ayurvedic, Allopathic, and Homeopathic care.Since its formation, Chhattisgarh has witnessed six Assemblies and four chief ministers — Ajit Jogi (Congress), Dr Raman Singh (BJP), Bhupesh Baghel (Congress), and Vishnu Deo Sai (BJP). Dr Raman Singh served as the chief minister for three consecutive terms from 2004 to 2018.From a modest tent in 2000 to a modern complex in 2025, the new Assembly stands as a reflection of the state's institutional growth.Speaker Raman Singh said the new Vidhan Sabha complex reflects Chhattisgarh's self-reliant vision, being built entirely with local expertise and resources. "From concept to design, from cement to steel, every element of this building has been developed within the state," he said, adding that the structure has been designed to meet functional and technological needs for the next hundred years. "It stands as a unique example of Chhattisgarh's craftsmanship and capability. We followed the concept of ‘Make in Chhattisgarh' in line with ‘Make in India'. The new Assembly building, which is completing 25 years on Dec 14, 2025, has been designed with a 100-year vision. " he remarked.