The monsoon session of the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly opened on Monday, 13 July in Raipur with a solemn tribute to Padma Vibhushan awardee and legendary Pandwani folk artist Tejan Bai, who passed away recently. The House observed a two-minute silence and adjourned for five minutes as a mark of respect before proceedings turned turbulent over an alleged theft at the Ram Mandir Trust.

Assembly honours Tejan Bai's legacy

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, speaking on the condolence motion, said Tejan Bai gave a new identity to the Kapalik style of Pandwani and carried Chhattisgarh's folk culture to the global stage through her extraordinary artistry. He noted that despite challenging social circumstances, her perseverance and talent took her to great heights, and her life would continue to inspire future generations. He described her passing as an irreparable loss to the state.

Culture Minister Rajesh Agrawal called her an artist who brought international recognition to Chhattisgarh. Former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel remembered her as someone who rose above limited resources and difficult conditions to bring glory to the state, calling her life a symbol of struggle and dedication. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kedar Kashyap said the world of folk culture had lost an invaluable treasure.

Several ministers and legislators — including Gajendra Yadav, Kiran Singh Deo, Anuj Sharma, Anila Bhediya, Kunwar Singh Nishad, and Bhaiyalal Korsewada — also paid rich tributes, remembering Tejan Bai's pioneering role in preserving and popularising Pandwani across generations.

Ram Mandir Trust theft row triggers ruckus

As the House moved to regular business, a heated verbal confrontation broke out between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the opposition Indian National Congress (INC) over the alleged theft of offerings from the Ram Mandir Trust. The opposition moved an adjournment motion on the matter, which the House rejected — a decision that triggered strong protests from Congress members.

Following the rejection, proceedings were adjourned briefly. When the House reconvened, the deadlock showed no signs of easing, with loud arguments and slogan-shouting from both sides filling the chamber. Assembly Speaker Raman Singh, faced with the continuing uproar, adjourned proceedings until Tuesday.

Context and significance

The disruption on the opening day of a legislative session is not uncommon in Indian state assemblies, but the Ram Mandir Trust theft allegation carries particular political weight given the temple's centrality to the BJP's ideological identity. The Congress's decision to press an adjournment motion signals its intent to keep the issue alive through the session. Notably, this is the first monsoon session since the BJP returned to power in Chhattisgarh in late 2023, making every floor confrontation a test of the new government's legislative management.

What to watch next

With proceedings adjourned to Tuesday, both sides are expected to return to the Ram Mandir Trust issue. The government will need to address the opposition's demand or risk repeated disruptions through the session. The assembly's business agenda — including budget discussions and key legislation — could face delays if the standoff continues.