Raipur: Congress MLAs were suspended from the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly on Tuesday after entering the Well of the House while protesting over the alleged shortage of fertilizers and seeds during the Monsoon Session.
During Zero Hour, the opposition Congress moved an adjournment motion to corner the state government. Former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel alleged that farmers were facing severe difficulties in procuring essential fertilizers.
“The fertilizer quota has been reduced. Due to deficient rainfall, sowing has been delayed. While cooperative societies are facing a shortage of fertilizers, private traders have ample stock and are black-marketing it. Farmers are being exploited, and power cuts are adding to their hardship,” Baghel said.
Leader of the Opposition Dr Charan Das Mahant claimed that essential fertilizers such as Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP) and Potash were unavailable in the market. He alleged that the mismanagement of the Agriculture Department and the nexus between middlemen and traders had worsened the crisis for farmers.
Responding to the allegations, Agriculture Minister Ramvichar Netam rejected the claims, stating that there was no shortage of fertilizers or seeds in the state.
He said that against the target of 15.55 lakh metric tonnes of fertilizers, more than 14 lakh metric tonnes—nearly 90% of the target—had already been made available. He added that seed stocks stood at 96% of the total demand.
The minister further said that alternative fertilizers, including NPK complexes and Single Super Phosphate (SSP), were also being distributed. Compared to last year, the state had supplied 96,000 metric tonnes more fertilizer, and action had been taken in 94 cases where fertilizer samples failed quality tests.
Unsatisfied with the minister’s response, Congress MLAs began raising slogans against the government and entered the Well of the House, while members of the Treasury Benches responded with counter-slogans. As the situation escalated, the opposition legislators were automatically suspended under Assembly rules. Following their suspension, the Congress MLAs staged a walkout while continuing their protest.
