BJP claims over 13,000 land encroachments under Congress rule

In Raipur, Chhattisgarh, the winter session of the Sixth Assembly opened amid significant tensions on December 16, 2024. During the session, BJP MLA Shushant Shukla raised concerns regarding illegal encroachments on government land, asserting that over 13,273 cases had occurred during the Congress government's administration. He demanded transparency by naming the companies and individuals involved in these encroachments and urged for strict action against the officials who allowed these activities. Revenue Minister Tank Ram Verma responded that investigations were ongoing and actions would align with the credible evidence found. Amid the accusations, Shukla criticized the Congress party's handling of land issues, referencing families negatively affected by the Aam Puran (land scam) that transpired over the last five years of their governance. He reiterated the necessity for an impartial investigation into these claims. As the discussion progressed, Verma noted that from 2021 to November 25, 2024, a total of 563 complaints had been registered regarding illegal encroachments in Bilaspur district. He also ensured that no land ownership documents were issued and that all misallocated pattas would be thoroughly scrutinized. Despite this reassurance, Shukla remained dissatisfied and called for more stringent actions against implicated officials. Alongside land issues, debates escalated concerning paddy procurement. Leader of Opposition CD Mahant leveled allegations of corruption against the government, specifically regarding the procurement of jute sacks used for paddy storage. He claimed these sacks did not meet weight standards, which he asserted represented a multi-crore scam. The allegations prompted an immediate reaction from Food and Civil Supplies Minister Dayal Das Baghel, who dismissed the charges, leading to heightened tensions and a walkout by Congress members. The ongoing session is anticipated to further challenge the government on various topics, including the liquor app and law and order, indicating a tumultuous political atmosphere in Chhattisgarh as it heads towards a deeper examination of these issues. Furthermore, the assembly paid tributes to notable figures, including former Rajya Sabha MP Gopal Vyas and former MLA Nandaram Sori. Newly elected MLA Sunil Soni from Raipur South received a warm welcome from the Speaker, Dr. Raman Singh, setting the tone for a challenging and heated winter session ahead. As opposition members regroup after their walkout, the Chhattisgarh Assembly remains poised for further confrontations regarding the various allegations and issues brought to the forefront by both sides in the political spectrum.