Ration Card Row, Mutt Land Sale and Road Repair Claims Spark Heated Exchanges in Chhattisgarh Assembly
Raipur
The third day of the Chhattisgarh Assembly’s Winter Session witnessed sharp exchanges across multiple issues, including alleged irregularities in ration card conversions, the sale of Jaitusav Mutt land by land mafias, flood deaths in Bastar, poor road maintenance, and delays in health infrastructure projects.
BJP MLA Sushant Shukla questioned the government over alleged APL-to-BPL ration card conversions, a claim denied by Food Minister Dayaldas Baghel, prompting demands for inquiries and action against officials. Tourism Minister Rajesh Agrawal admitted illegal sale of mutt land in Raipur, while the Revenue Minister confirmed 12 flood-related deaths in Bastar.
Heated arguments also erupted over road repair claims, with the Speaker intervening. Separately, the Health Minister assured the House that construction of a Cancer Clinic and Super Speciality Hospital in Jagdalpur would begin in January.
The third day of the Winter Session saw a sharp exchange over alleged ration card irregularities, with a ruling party MLA questioning the government’s response.
BJP MLA Sushant Shukla cornered Food Minister Dayaldas Baghel on the issue of converting Above Poverty Line (APL) ration cards to Below Poverty Line (BPL) cards. Shukla accused his own government of providing incorrect information to the House, stating that APL cards were allegedly deleted to create BPL cards, and that an FIR was registered.
Food Minister Dayaldas Baghel refuted the allegations, stating that no conversion had taken place. He informed the House that the inquiry found discrepancies in only 19 ration cards. Action was taken in four cases, and further investigation is underway.
Ajay Chandrakar sought a half-hour discussion, Dharamjeet Singh demanded a high-power committee probe, while Dharamlal Kaushik called for action against officials who gave wrong information.
Tourism Minister admits Jaitusav Mutt land sale
MLA Indra Kumar Sahu raised the issue of Jaitusav Mutt land sale. Tourism Minister Rajesh Agrawal admitted that land mafias sold 10 plots in Raipur belonging to the mutt.
He stated that two cases are pending in the High Court, while FIRs are being registered in eight cases. The MLA demanded a secretary-level inquiry.
Flood deaths in Bastar
Revenue Minister Tankram Verma admitted that 12 people died due to devastating floods in Bastar, replying to a question by Congress MLA Vikram Mandavi.
Heated debate over road repairs
During Question Hour, Congress MLA Harshita Baghel questioned PWD Minister Arun Sao over road maintenance in Dongargarh, Rajnandgaon, and Khairagarh districts.
The Minister said 48 roads were identified, 39 tenders awarded, 4 works completed, and 5 yet to start. Harshita Baghel alleged that no work has begun on the ground and accused the Minister of giving incorrect information.
Speaker Dr. Raman Singh intervened, stating the Minister’s reply would be on record.
Delay in Cancer Clinic and Super Speciality Hospital
Jagdalpur MLA Kiran Singh Deo raised concerns over the delay in constructing a Cancer Clinic and Super Speciality Hospital at Maharani Hospital, despite approval on 12 June 2025.
Health Minister Shyam Bihari Jaiswal said the DPR was prepared by a private agency, with approvals underway through the Engineer-in-Chief. He confirmed that construction will begin in January.
