What Sparked the Uproar in Chhattisgarh's Assembly?
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Synopsis
The Chhattisgarh Assembly's monsoon session erupted into chaos as Congress protested against a fertiliser crisis and recruitment irregularities. Former CM Baghel accused the government of deliberately restricting DAP supply, while the opposition demanded accountability. Chief Minister Sai assured alternative fertilisers were being distributed, but discontent led to a Congress walkout amidst heated exchanges.
Key Takeaways
- Political tension: Intense debates marked the session.
- Fertiliser shortage: A critical issue raised by the opposition.
- Recruitment irregularities: Allegations led to a demand for a CBI probe.
- Government's assurance: Alternative fertilisers being distributed.
- Walkout: Congress's protest highlighted dissatisfaction.
Raipur, July 14 (NationPress) The monsoon session of the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly kicked off with intense debates and confrontations, as the leading opposition party, the Congress, launched a vigorous attack regarding two critical matters: the severe shortage of fertilisers and alleged discrepancies in the 2024 Revenue Inspector recruitment examination.
The Congress staged a walkout in response to the claimed irregularities in the Revenue Inspector recruitment examination 2024.
The session, which began on Monday, quickly escalated when the Congress proposed an adjournment motion addressing the shortage of Di-ammonium Phosphate (DAP), an essential input for paddy farming.
Former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel accused the government of intentionally curtailing fertiliser supply to stifle agricultural productivity, asserting that DAP, originally priced at Rs 1300, was being sold for Rs 2100 in the market.
He also alleged that substandard seeds were being distributed, further aggravating farmers’ hardships.
Leader of Opposition Charandas Mahant echoed these concerns, stating that while private vendors had access to fertilisers, government distribution channels were dry, eroding public confidence in government assurances.
In response, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai reassured the House that alternative fertilisers - Nano DAP, NPK, and SSP - were being distributed statewide. He revealed that 1,79,000 bottles of Nano DAP were currently available, with a steady supply in progress.
Nevertheless, the opposition remained unsatisfied, leading to a walkout after heated exchanges.
Meanwhile, the Assembly was engulfed in uproar during Question Hour regarding alleged malpractices in the Revenue Inspector recruitment process.
Baghel called for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe, accusing the government of protecting corrupt activities. BJP MLA Rajesh Munat countered by blaming the irregularities on the former administration.
Revenue Minister Tankaram Verma admitted to flaws in the initial inquiry conducted by a five-member committee and confirmed that the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) was currently investigating 40 specific points. He promised decisive action before the next session.
BJP legislator Ajay Chandrakar questioned the EOW's directive origin, to which Verma clarified that the department had initiated the inquiry.
Finance Minister OP Choudhary presented the Commercial Tax Amendment Bill under the Chhattisgarh VAT Act, 2005, while Forest Minister Kedar Kashyap presented the Annual Report of the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Act for 2023–2024.
Earlier, members paid solemn tributes to former Governor Shekhar Dutt and former Cabinet Minister Surendra Bahadur Singh, leading to a ten-minute adjournment. Subsequently, a brief disruption resulted in a five-minute suspension of proceedings as Congress MLAs raised slogans in protest.
Before the session, a Business Advisory Committee meeting was held, attended by Chief Minister Sai, Leader of Opposition Mahant, Deputy CM Arun Saw, and other senior legislators.
The government declared that it would not introduce a supplementary budget during this session - marking the first occurrence since the state’s establishment.
Sources within the Assembly and Finance Department indicated that existing financial resources were adequate to cover expenditures for the upcoming quarter.
Point of View
The ongoing turmoil in the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly highlights the pressing issues of agricultural support and transparency in governance. The confrontation between the government and opposition underscores the need for accountability and effective solutions to safeguard farmers' interests amidst rising challenges.
NationPress
14/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the main issues discussed in the Chhattisgarh Assembly?
The main issues discussed were the acute shortage of fertilisers, particularly Di-ammonium Phosphate (DAP), and alleged irregularities in the 2024 Revenue Inspector recruitment examination.
What actions did the Congress party take during the session?
The Congress party staged a walkout in protest against the alleged irregularities in the Revenue Inspector recruitment examination and the fertiliser shortage.
What was the government's response to the fertiliser shortage?
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai assured that alternative fertilisers, including Nano DAP, NPK, and SSP, were being distributed across the state to address the shortage.
What did former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel accuse the government of?
Bhupesh Baghel accused the government of intentionally restricting fertiliser supply and selling DAP at inflated prices.
Was there any commitment to investigate the recruitment irregularities?
Yes, Revenue Minister Tankaram Verma acknowledged flaws in the initial inquiry and confirmed that the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) was investigating the matter.
