The Chhattisgarh Assembly erupted in chaos on March 10, 2026, as opposition Congress MLAs clashed with the ruling BJP government over paddy procurement centers rats damage claims and alleged corruption in grain storage. The session saw heated exchanges, slogan-shouting, and suspensions, highlighting ongoing tensions in the state's agriculture sector.
Chhattisgarh Assembly Ruckus Over Paddy Rats Damage and Encroachment Issues
Raipur witnessed intense drama in the Chhattisgarh Vidhan Sabha during the budget session today, as Congress legislators stormed the well of the House, chanting slogans and accusing the BJP-led government of massive corruption masked as "rats eating paddy." The uproar centered on reports of significant losses at paddy procurement centers due to rodents, which opposition leaders dismissed as a cover-up for mismanagement and graft.
Leader of Opposition Dr. Charandas Mahant led the charge, moving an adjournment motion to discuss the issue urgently. He claimed poor governance had led to losses worth around ₹4600 crore, with rats allegedly devouring stored paddy meant for farmers. Former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel echoed this, slamming the government for complete failure in protecting the state's key crop. "The administration is using 'musua' (rats) as an excuse for corruption," Congress members shouted, referring to the rodent blame game.
The Speaker rejected the adjournment motion, prompting furious opposition members to rush into the well (garbhagriha). Amid loud protests and sloganeering, several Congress MLAs were suspended for disrupting proceedings. Reports indicate multiple suspensions occurred after repeated defiance, with lawmakers continuing demonstrations outside the House.
This flare-up ties into broader criticisms of the government's handling of paddy storage. Recent incidents, including in Kabirdham district where thousands of quintals were reported damaged or missing—blamed on rats, termites, and weather—have fueled opposition allegations of a statewide scam. Congress leaders argue that inadequate storage facilities and negligence are the real culprits, not rodents, and demanded accountability to protect farmers' interests.
Encroachment and Other Flashpoints Add Fuel
The session also saw uproar over government land encroachments. Dongargarh MLA Harshita Swami Baghel raised delays in constructing a cooperative central bank building due to unresolved encroachments, despite tenders and bhoomi pujan already completed. Revenue Minister Kedar Kashyap explained that alternative land was being explored due to insufficient parking and facilities, but the opposition accused the government of shielding encroachers and demanded firm timelines for removals.
Leader of Opposition Bhupesh Baghel pressed for strict action against encroachers, questioning when clearances would happen. Unsatisfied with responses, opposition members staged a walkout earlier in the day.
Other discussions included queries on overloading vehicles, where Transport Minister Kedar Kashyap shared figures of over 77,000 cases and ₹42 crore recovered in three years, though Congress pushed for district-wise details. Mining-related land allotments near Godavari Power and Ispat also drew scrutiny, with CM Vishnu Deo Sai defending allocations per central guidelines after Geological Survey of India checks.
Why This Matters Now
Chhattisgarh, a major paddy-producing state, relies heavily on procurement for farmer welfare and food security. With harvest seasons ongoing and storage challenges persisting, these allegations raise serious concerns about transparency and efficiency in public systems. The repeated disruptions reflect deepening political divides ahead of key policy discussions in the budget session.
As suspensions and protests continue, the episode underscores the urgent need for robust storage solutions and anti-corruption measures to safeguard agricultural gains.
