The fifth and final day of the Chhattisgarh Assembly's Monsoon Session witnessed heated exchanges as the opposition Congress cornered the BJP government over the removal of 1.55 lakh beneficiaries from the Mahtari Vandan Yojana and later moved a no-confidence motion against the Vishnu Deo Sai-led government.

The Congress staged a walkout during Question Hour after expressing dissatisfaction with the government's explanation regarding the reduction in beneficiaries under the flagship welfare scheme.

1.55 Lakh Beneficiaries Removed

Replying to a question in the House, Women and Child Development Minister Laxmi Rajwade said the number of beneficiaries under the Mahtari Vandan Yojana had declined from 70.09 lakh to 68.54 lakh.

She attributed the removal of names to reasons such as the death of beneficiaries, failure to complete e-KYC, beneficiaries becoming income taxpayers, and ineligibility identified during verification.

Unsatisfied with the response, Congress legislators raised slogans inside the Assembly before walking out.

Ration Distribution Also Discussed

The House also discussed issues related to the Public Distribution System (PDS).

Congress MLA Sheshraj Harbans demanded an additional seven kilograms of rice for Antyodaya ration card holders. BJP MLA Sushant Shukla alleged that spices were being forcibly sold at fair price shops.

Food Minister Dayaldas Baghel assured the House that the government would investigate the allegations if documentary evidence and complaints were submitted.

Congress Tables No-Confidence Motion

Following Question Hour, Leader of Opposition Dr Charan Das Mahant moved a no-confidence motion against the state government, presenting a 136-point chargesheet.

Mahant accused the BJP government of failing on multiple fronts, including environmental protection, law and order, tribal welfare, implementation of the PESA Act, land acquisition in tribal areas, alleged tree felling in Abujhmad, irregularities in the Bharatmala project, and alleged corruption in the Excise Department.

Hasdeo Aranya and Law & Order in Focus

Mahant alleged that the government was encouraging mining activities in the ecologically sensitive Hasdeo Aranya region by allowing large-scale tree felling.

Referring to a 2022 Assembly resolution seeking cancellation of coal blocks in the forest region, he claimed that mining approvals had undermined the state's environmental interests.

He also criticised the government's handling of law and order, citing incidents of violence in Balodabazar and crimes against women. The Congress leader alleged that public safety had deteriorated under the present administration.

Government Faces Political Test

The no-confidence motion provides the opposition an opportunity to question the government's performance across sectors, while the ruling BJP is expected to defend its welfare initiatives, governance record and development agenda.

With 54 BJP MLAs, 35 Congress legislators, and one member from the Gondwana Gantantra Party, the numerical strength remains firmly in favour of the ruling alliance, making the passage of the motion highly unlikely.

Historically, every no-confidence motion moved in the Chhattisgarh Assembly since the state's formation has been defeated, with governments consistently retaining majority support.