- As early as 1999, when infrastructure and road connectivity were not yet national priorities, he envisioned the rejuvenation of the Rajnandgaon – Hyderabad Road via Mohla Manpur.
- Under his leadership, development reached villages that had never seen it before.
- When Modi, publicly praised Dr Raman saying: “I take pride in saying that I am a friend of Raman Singh.”
Special Article by: Purushottam Tiwari
Published on: October 14, 2025
By: BTNI
Location: Rajnandgaon, India
In the political landscape of Chhattisgarh, Dr. Raman Singh stands as a name synonymous with visionary leadership and inclusive development. He not only transformed the face of the state but also inspired a new approach to politics and governance across India.
During his tenure as Union Minister, Dr. Singh invited as many as five Central Ministers to visit Rajnandgaon to understand the real issues of the tribal and remote regions firsthand. He never let regional or social biases influence his vision of development—his commitment was to “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas” (Together with all, development for all).
Foundation of Inclusive Growth
It was during the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government that the Ministry of Tribal Affairs was created for the first time, and its first minister, Faggan Singh Kulaste, visited the tribal regions of Rajnandgaon on Dr. Singh’s invitation. This led to the sanction of special funds under Article 275(A), resulting in the beginning of several initiatives in tribal welfare, education, roads, healthcare, and water supply.
In the area of communication, Dr. Singh took pioneering steps to modernize the system. With the cooperation of Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan, he established a state-of-the-art Telephone Exchange Building and a computerized Post Office in Rajnandgaon. Similarly, he facilitated the visit of then Minister of State for Railways, Digvijay Singh (Samata Party), leading to the complete transformation of the Rajnandgaon railway station—from a modest rural stop into a modern station. He also worked alongside then Cabinet Minister Chaoba Singh to conceptualize a Food Park for industrial growth, although the plan eventually remained incomplete.
Vision for Infrastructure and Connectivity
Dr. Singh’s vision was always ahead of his time. As early as 1999, when infrastructure and road connectivity were not yet national priorities, he envisioned the rejuvenation of the Hyderabad Road, which was then referred to as the “Dead Road.”
Facing technical hurdles in getting the route declared as a National Highway, Dr. Singh personally reached out to Members of Parliament from the border states of Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh—like Naresh Puglia from Chandrapur (Maharashtra) and the MP from Karimnagar (Andhra Pradesh)—to conceptualize an Inter-State Connectivity Fund. This initiative led to the commencement of road construction.
It was his effort that reconnected Rajnandgaon to Maharashtra through Ambagarh Chowki, Mohla-Manpur, Aundhi, Murmgaon, Gadchiroli, and Chandrapur, reviving a long-forgotten bus slargestervice. Today, that same route has evolved into the ambitious Raipur–Durg–Rajnandgaon–Manpur–Hyderabad Corridor, one of India’s highway projects—a living testimony to Dr. Singh’s foresight and planning.
Pride of Rajnandgaon
Emerging from the people of Rajnandgaon, Dr. Raman Singh was elected MLA four consecutive times, setting a benchmark for public service. When he contested the 1999 by-election after the resignation of Pradeep Gandhi, it marked a turning point in Chhattisgarh’s political history.
As Union Minister, he strengthened Rajnandgaon’s position on the national map through initiatives in industry and rural development. From railway modernization to improved telecommunication, postal upgrades, and rural road connectivity—his contributions redefined progress for the district.
“Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas” — More Than a Slogan
While serving as Union Minister, many expected him to focus solely on his constituency, but Dr. Singh proved them wrong. He ensured balanced development across the district, irrespective of community or geography.
He introduced an innovative “Annual Report Card”—a detailed public record of developmental work carried out every year. This transparency and accountability were precursors to what we now call Good Governance.
Model of Tribal Development
Dr. Singh’s initiatives for tribal regions were exemplary. He secured special funds under Article 275(A) for backward areas like Manpur, Mohla, Chowki, and Kawardha, ensuring improvements in basic infrastructure and social services. Under his leadership, development reached villages that had never seen it before.
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For Chhattisgarh, Dr. Raman Singh became the true architect of transformation. In his 15-year tenure as Chief Minister, he reshaped the state—bringing it from infancy to the ranks of India’s most progressive regions. His governance was characterized by humility, accountability, and people’s participation.
A Leader of Integrity and Self-Respect
Dr. Singh’s greatest strength lies in his organizational discipline and uncompromising principles. During his tenure as Chief Minister, he took a strong stand against the appointment of Dr. Binayak Sen to the Planning Commission, declaring: > “As long as I am Chief Minister and Vinayak Sen remains a member of the Planning Commission, I will not visit Delhi.”
This was a bold assertion of conviction and self-respect. Despite national controversy and international pressure, Dr. Singh’s government maintained its firm stance against Maoist ideology. It is noteworthy that Dr. Binayak Sen was considered one of the key thinkers of the Maoist ideology, and his arrest in Bilaspur was quite a remarkable episode. Interestingly, despite being a resident of Bilaspur, neither his neighbors nor the local people knew much about him. Yet, his arrest sparked protests and movements in several foreign countries.
This entire episode reflected a deeper game of political and administrative maneuvering. It also revealed the attitude of the then Central Government. Ironically, the same Dr. Binayak Sen—who was widely recognized as an urban Naxal and an intellectual supporter of the Maoist movement—was appointed by the Congress-led UPA Government under Prime Minister Manmohan Singh as a member of the Planning Commission of India. This decision, in itself, speaks volumes about the approach and priorities of the Central Government at that time.
Humility and Popularity Personified
Despite serving three consecutive terms as Chief Minister, Dr. Raman Singh remains as humble as ever. In every speech, he acknowledges with gratitude: > “Whatever I am today is because of the love and blessings of the people of Rajnandgaon.”
His contributions to the district’s progress in education, healthcare, communication, and industry are immeasurable. The Rajnandgaon we see today—prosperous, connected, and forward-looking—is the result of his visionary leadership and inclusive approach.
2014: Modi’s Tribute to Raman Singh’s Governance
In 2014, during Dr. Raman Singh’s Vikas Yatra in Chhattisgarh, the then Chief Minister of Gujarat, Narendra Modi, publicly praised him, saying: > “I take pride in saying that I am a friend of Raman Singh.” Modi described the Vikas Yatra as a courageous act of accountability—“taking a report card to the people.”
He mentioned that many Chief Ministers had attempted similar initiatives but failed to continue. Dr. Raman Singh’s consistency in this effort set a new benchmark for responsive and transparent governance. This acknowledgment strengthened the BJP’s core philosophy of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas” and elevated Dr. Singh’s image as a leader of the people.
A Journey from the Grassroots to Greatness
It is well known that when Dr. Raman Singh contested the 1999 Lok Sabha election from Rajnandgaon, he had very limited personal contact with the electorate. His opponent was none other than Motilal Vora—former Union Minister, two-time Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, and Governor of Punjab and Uttar Pradesh.
Yet, Dr. Singh’s humble nature, respectful conduct, and approachable personality won people’s hearts. Those who met him once became his admirers. At that time, the Marwari community had even formed a powerful platform to support Vora Ji, but the tide turned in Dr. Singh’s favor as people began to see in him a leader they could truly trust. Today, his popularity in Rajnandgaon speaks volumes of that enduring bond.
Birthday Wishes
On the occasion of Dr. Raman Singh’s birthday today, we, the people of Rajnandgaon, extend our heartfelt greetings and best wishes. May God bless him with long life, good health, and unwavering energy to continue guiding Chhattisgarh and the nation with his vision, humility, and commitment to public service.
