The Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly on Friday rejected the Congress party’s no-confidence motion against the Vishnu Deo Sai government after an extensive 14-hour and 30-minute debate, bringing the five-day Monsoon Session to a close. The motion was defeated by a voice vote, with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) retaining the confidence of the House.

Responding to the motion, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said the proposal was not merely against his government but against the mandate given by the people of Chhattisgarh.

“The people have trusted this government, and we are committed to fulfilling that mandate. The BJP will return to power in the next Assembly election with more than 70 seats, while the Congress will remain out of power for the next 25 years,” the Chief Minister said during his reply.

Government Defends Its Record

CM Sai described his government as one committed to public welfare and tribal development, stating that the Congress was uncomfortable with “the son of a tribal farmer becoming Chief Minister.”

He also accused the previous Congress government of corruption, unfulfilled promises and turning the state into an “ATM for Delhi,” while highlighting the BJP government's governance initiatives and welfare measures.

Congress Targets Government on Key Issues

Leading the opposition's attack, former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel accused the BJP government of failing farmers and neglecting public welfare.

Baghel alleged shortages of fertilisers, irregularities in paddy procurement, deteriorating law and order, and shortcomings in welfare schemes, including the Mahtari Vandan Yojana. He also raised concerns over tribal rights, the Hasdeo forest region, PESA implementation, alleged fake fertiliser distribution and the Mahadev betting app case.

Claiming that an “invisible force” was running the government, Baghel accused the administration of taking decisions that were against public interest.

Opposition Raises Environmental and Law-and-Order Concerns

Leader of Opposition Dr Charandas Mahant criticised the government over the proposed mining expansion in the Hasdeo Aranya region.

He alleged that permission for mining over 91 hectares would lead to the felling of nearly 15,000 trees, describing Hasdeo as the “lungs of central India.” Mahant accused the government of prioritising industrial interests over environmental conservation and tribal rights.

He also questioned the government over crimes against women, the Balodabazar violence, unemployment, procurement of paddy, implementation of the PESA Act, alleged corruption in the excise department and issues related to tribal land rights.

During the debate, Mahant submitted a 136-point chargesheet against the Sai government.

Mahtari Vandan Issue Sparks Protest

The House witnessed heated exchanges over the removal of 1.55 lakh beneficiaries from the Mahtari Vandan Yojana.

Congress members protested the government's response and staged a walkout after demanding explanations for the removal of women's names from the beneficiary list.

Separately, Congress MLA Anila Bhediya raised the issue of alleged distribution of imitation mangalsutras during a mass marriage programme. Women and Child Development Minister Laxmi Rajwade said no complaint had been received from Balod district regarding the matter.

No-Confidence Motion Explained

A no-confidence motion allows the Opposition to question the government's overall performance and place its record under legislative scrutiny. The ruling party, in turn, uses the debate to defend its governance and respond to allegations.

In this case, after the lengthy discussion concluded, the motion was rejected by a voice vote as the ruling BJP retained its majority in the Assembly.

History of No-Confidence Motions in Chhattisgarh

Since the formation of Chhattisgarh in 2000, the Assembly has witnessed 10 no-confidence motions, none of which have succeeded in bringing down a government.

The longest debate on such a motion took place in July 2015, when discussions against the then Raman Singh government continued for 24 hours and 25 minutes.

The previous Congress government led by Bhupesh Baghel also survived no-confidence motions moved by the BJP in 2022 and 2023, both of which were defeated after lengthy debates.