RAIPUR
Proceedings in the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly were briefly halted on the first day of the winter session after a cat entered the House and disrupted a debate on the state’s ‘Vision 2047’ document. The winter session began on Sunday at the new Assembly building in Nava Raipur.
The feline walked into the House while Finance Minister O.P. Choudhary was addressing the members on the Vision 2047 document. As the Minister spoke, the cat’s “meow-meow” sounds grew louder, leading to laughter among Ministers and MLAs for nearly five minutes. Agriculture Minister Ramvichar Netam was seen smiling at the Finance Minister. The Speaker, Ministers, MLAs, and officials could not control their laughter for a while.
Assembly staff later ushered the cat out, allowing the House proceedings to resume normally.
Congress Boycotts Session
The Congress boycotted the first day of the session, where the ‘Vision 2047’ document was the subject of discussion.
Reacting to the boycott, Finance Minister O.P. Choudhary said, “The Congress is a sinking ship. Its sinking is certain.” He added that the ruling party and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) are moving forward with full responsibility.
Co-operative Minister Kedar Kashyap stated that the Opposition’s absence from the positive discussion on the ‘Nava Anjor Vision 2047’ was unfortunate. He said the boycott shows that the Congress has no serious thought for the future and development of Chhattisgarh.
Vision for ‘Vikasit’ Chhattisgarh
Finance Minister Choudhary termed the ‘Vision 2047’ document a solid roadmap towards a ‘Vikasit’ (Developed) Chhattisgarh, prepared based on suggestions from every section of society. He informed the House that inputs from nearly one lakh people were incorporated.
He stressed the need for a clear vision for India’s young population, stating that India is the world’s third-largest economy and could reach $64 trillion by 2047, creating major growth opportunities for the current generation.
Accordingly, the development vision for Chhattisgarh aims to reduce inflation, poverty, and unemployment, improve the infant mortality rate, and boost growth in the agriculture, industry, and services sectors.
‘Industry Policy Lacks Chhattisgarh Focus’
Former Minister and BJP MLA Ajay Chandrakar welcomed the new process in the Assembly and congratulated the Chief Minister and the Finance Minister on the vision document.
However, he questioned the foundation of the 2047 vision, citing past shortcomings in holistic transformation. He claimed the ‘Nava Anjor’ document focuses mainly on education and health and said the industry policy lacks a reflection of Chhattisgarh, ignoring ‘Make in Chhattisgarh’.
He also highlighted the poor condition of rice mills and suggested that the Food Minister hold an independent debate on the issue.
Revised Conversion Bill Expected
The four-day winter session will run until 17 December. An advisory committee meeting, chaired by Assembly Speaker Dr. Raman Singh, was held before proceedings. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao, and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kedar Kashyap attended.
Sources suggest the House may see protests on law and order, paddy procurement, electricity, and land rates from 15–17 December. A total of 628 questions have been submitted by MLAs.
The most significant issue is religious conversion, with the government likely to introduce a revised Religious Freedom Act. Home Minister Vijay Sharma indicated the Sai government may pass the amended legislation to reduce religious disputes.
According to the draft committee, a new draft has been prepared under the Home Minister’s leadership to make the conversion process more stringent, with strict penalties and imprisonment for violations involving coercion or inducement. The Home Department is studying laws in other states to frame a strong rule for Chhattisgarh.
Currently, there is no clear statutory law governing religious conversion in Chhattisgarh, often leading to conflicts and law-and-order issues, especially between tribals and converts.
Discussions are also expected on the poor condition of roads and irregularities in ration distribution.
On the first day of the session, MLAs were allowed to submit two calling attention motions and one adjournment motion.
