LOP Charandas Mahant Says – Probe It as a Scam of the Previous Government; CM Retorts – Congress Itself Banned CBI
Raipur
A heated debate erupted in the Chhattisgarh Assembly on Wednesday over alleged corruption in the Bharatmala Project. Leader of Opposition Dr. Charandas Mahant demanded a CBI investigation into the matter, while Revenue Minister Tankaram Verma acknowledged irregularities and announced an inquiry by the Divisional Commissioner.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, in response, reminded the opposition that it was the Congress government that had banned the CBI in the state.
BJP MLA Rikesh Sen questioned Congress’s sudden trust in central investigative agencies. He remarked, “Those who banned the CBI and raised doubts over the Enforcement Directorate (ED) are now demanding a CBI probe themselves.”
During the discussion, Revenue Minister Tankaram Verma admitted to irregularities in the Bharatmala Project, citing issues such as fragmentation of land parcels after notification, re-acquisition of previously acquired land, and compensation being granted to individuals linked to trusts instead of the trusts themselves. He also stated that action had been taken against a deputy collector, SDM, tehsildar, and patwari involved in the matter, assuring the House that a thorough investigation would be conducted by the Divisional Commissioner. However, the opposition, dissatisfied with the government’s refusal to order a CBI probe, staged a walkout in protest.
Dissatisfied with the government’s response, Leader of Opposition Dr. Charan Das Mahant expressed concerns that a departmental inquiry might shield the culprits. “This is a massive scam involving influential people. Mere suspensions won’t suffice—FIRs should be filed, and the guilty should be jailed,” he asserted.
Mahant suggested treating it as a scam of the previous government and conducting an impartial probe. “If there’s no issue in investigating past corruption, then accept the demand for a CBI probe,” he challenged.
However, when the government refused the demand, he proposed a legislative committee for the investigation. Upon rejection, the opposition staged a walkout in protest.
CM Vishnu Deo Sai reiterated that the Revenue Minister had adequately addressed the issue and assured that no negligence would be tolerated. He added, “It was the Congress government that banned the CBI in the state. Now the same Congress is asking for a CBI investigation.”
Following the walkout, Dr. Mahant announced plans to move the High Court, alleging that the government was shielding the accused. “Since the government is trying to protect the culprits, we will seek legal intervention,” he declared.
With the opposition intensifying its attacks and the government assuring a probe, the next course of action in the investigation remains to be seen.
