Raipur – The Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly witnessed heated scenes on Friday during the discussion on supplementary budget grants as opposition members protested the absence of senior officials in the gallery. High drama ensued when Congress MLAs, dissatisfied with the government’s response, staged a walkout citing “growing bureaucracy” and a lack of accountability in the administration.
The trouble began during deliberations on the Higher Education and Revenue departments. Former minister and Congress MLA Umesh Patel pointed out that department heads were missing from the house during crucial discussions. “The accountability of officials towards the government has vanished. Even ministers are arriving late for sessions,” Patel said.
Backing the protest, former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel alleged that “officer raj” has taken over all departments. Following slogans and heated exchanges, the opposition benches cleared out to register their displeasure.
Debate Over Livestock and Milk Production
Earlier, during the Question Hour, BJP MLA Ajay Chandrakar raised concerns regarding the state’s self-reliance in milk production. Highlighting gaps in the breeding policy for female bovine animals and the vaccination system, Chandrakar termed the current situation “pathetic.”
“We are not self-reliant in milk production,” Chandrakar stated, drawing a sharp retort from Baghel. The former Chief Minister remarked that despite being in power, the BJP was attempting to shift the blame onto the previous administration.
Law and Order and Tribal Projects
The session also saw senior members, including Dharamjeet Singh and Dharamlal Kaushik, raise the issue of rising knife-related crimes in the state. Leader of Opposition Charandas Mahant and Baghel further questioned the progress and funding of the CHIRAAG project (Chhattisgarh Inclusive Rural and Accelerated Agriculture Growth).
Agriculture Minister Ramvichar Netam provided updates on the National Gokul Mission and private sector participation in the dairy sector. The House took up 77 calling attention motions related to law and order, farmers’ grievances, and animal husbandry.
