Raipur
The Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly witnessed heated exchanges during the Budget Session on Monday as the Opposition raised the issue of illegal opium cultivation in Durg district. Leader of the Opposition Dr. Charan Das Mahant moved an adjournment motion, accusing the state government of shielding those involved and claiming that the “bowl of rice” was being turned into a “bowl of opium.”
Dr. Mahant stated that a person named Vinayak Tamrakar was found cultivating opium on private land in Samoda village, located around 50 km from the state capital.
“The youth of Chhattisgarh are being destroyed by drugs. It appears the administration wants opium to be grown across the state. This is being done under collective protection,” Dr. Mahant alleged.
The allegations led to a confrontation between Treasury and Opposition benches, forcing a five-minute adjournment of House proceedings.
Countering the charges, BJP MLA Ajay Chandrakar claimed the illegal cultivation had been ongoing for four years and suggested Congress involvement. Former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel intervened, stating that locals discovered the plantation while collecting wood for Holi.
“The Collector confirmed opium was being grown in Vinayak Tamrakar’s field, yet the FIR lists a laborer as the primary accused while the landowner’s name is third. This is an attempt to cover up the matter,” Baghel said, demanding a detailed discussion.
Responding to the motion, Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Vijay Sharma informed the House that Durg Police acted on a whistleblower’s tip-off on 6 March.
“A police team reached the Samoda village farmhouse immediately. Seizure proceedings were conducted the following day in the presence of a First Class Judicial Magistrate. We have seized 6,242 kg of opium and arrested the accused persons on the spot,” Sharma said.
The Home Minister further noted that in the last two years, action has been taken against over 5,000 accused in more than 2,000 cases. He stated that the government has formed task forces in all districts and is conducting financial investigations into suppliers, with assets worth over ₹16 crore seized so far.
Dr. Mahant expressed concern over the long-term impact on the state’s youth, noting that reports of opium cultivation in various parts of Chhattisgarh are dangerous for the social fabric of rural areas.
