Two Lakh Drug Users in Chhattisgarh, 4 Lakh Consume Ganja: Ajay Chandrakar; Govt Rejects ‘Administrative Failure’ Charge
Raipur
On the third day of the Budget Session of the Chhattisgarh Assembly, a heated debate erupted over the alleged rise in narcotics abuse and trafficking, with BJP MLA Ajay Chandrakar claiming that nearly two lakh people in the state are drug users and around four lakh consume ganja.
During the discussion, Chandrakar, supported by BJP MLA Dharamlal Kaushik, called the administration a “failure” in curbing the menace. Citing data from AIIMS and the Ministry of Social Justice’s national survey, he stated that the number of drug users in Chhattisgarh has risen to 1.5–2 lakh, while ganja users number between 3.8–4 lakh.
He further claimed that over 40,000 children and adolescents aged 10–17 are addicted to inhalants and cough syrups, adding that substance abuse has caused mental stress and suicides, with an estimated 250–300 deaths. “The youth of Chhattisgarh are in the grip of addiction. Narcotics are easily available in Raipur and other cities,” he alleged, citing that even a police constable was caught selling heroin in Tikrapara on February 11, 2026.
Chandrakar also referred to recent seizures in Raipur and Bhilai, claiming that drug packaging units were operating with high-tech surveillance cameras to evade police detection. He alleged that substances such as charas, ganja, brown sugar, heroin, opium, doda, and narcotic pills are increasingly accessible, and that strict action against traffickers has been lacking.
Rejecting the allegations, Home Minister Vijay Sharma said the claim of administrative failure was incorrect. “A situation like in Mexico will neither arise nor be allowed in India,” he said, responding to Chandrakar’s reference to violence following action against drug cartels there.
Sharma informed the House that in 2025, police registered 1,288 cases related to illegal narcotics trade and arrested 2,342 accused. Seizures included 16,999.7 kg ganja, 2.039 kg heroin, 1,259 grams opium, 1,524 kg doda, 141 grams brown sugar, 23.56 grams cocaine, 70.46 grams MDMA, 27.68 grams charas, 0.432 kg hashish oil, and over 2.41 lakh narcotic tablets.
In 2026 (till January 31), 146 cases have been registered and 257 accused arrested, with 3,090 kg ganja and other narcotics seized. He added that properties worth Rs 13.29 crore belonging to 16 accused were seized or frozen in 2025, and 145 habitual offenders have faced action under the PIT-NDPS Act since 2024.
The minister also stated that task forces have been constituted in all districts, and 100 new posts sanctioned for Anti-Narcotics Task Forces (ANTF) in 10 districts.
Former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel intervened during the discussion, suggesting that if narcotics were being debated, liquor policy should also be discussed. Sharma responded that a separate, detailed discussion on liquor could be taken later, prompting Baghel to insist that the matter be debated fully during the ongoing session.
Gig Workers’ Rights Raised
Earlier during Question Hour, Chandrakar raised concerns regarding the safety and labour rights of gig workers associated with platforms such as Swiggy, Zomato, Blinkit, and Rapido. He sought clarity on whether gig workers would be classified as organised or unorganised labour and how their safety would be ensured amid pressure for rapid deliveries.
Commerce and Industry Minister Lakhan Lal Dewangan replied that gig workers are currently classified under the Social Security Code, 2020, and the state will implement rules as notified by the Centre.
Other Issues in the House
Congress MLA Vyas Kashyap questioned transparency in the utilisation of CSR funds in Janjgir, alleging arbitrary distribution by the district administration. Former CM Baghel and MLA Raghvendra Singh also raised concerns.
Meanwhile, Takhatpur MLA Dharamjeet Singh demanded enhanced greenery and oxygen levels in Bilaspur through the development of cremation grounds, approach roads, and new gardens. Finance Minister Arun Sao said Bilaspur, earlier included in the Smart City Mission, has seen plantation and landscaping work at multiple locations, and further initiatives are ongoing.
The House is expected to take up issues related to employment, infrastructure, drinking water, and urban environment in the coming days. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai is slated to table amendments related to electricity rules, while Deputy CM Sharma will present the annual report of the Chhattisgarh Police Housing Corporation. Transport Minister Kedar Kashyap and other ministers will also table departmental reports.
