Chhattisgarh observed the 12th International Yoga Day with great fervour as Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai led a large gathering in mass yoga at the PG College Ground in Ambikapur. Hundreds of people, including ministers and citizens, joined him in performing asanas and pranayama.

CM Sai described yoga as India’s ancient tradition and way of life gifted by sages. He said the state government has introduced yoga in school curriculum to build healthy, disciplined and alert children. He urged people who have not yet adopted yoga to start from today itself for a healthy body and mind.

In Rajnandgaon, Assembly Speaker Dr Raman Singh was the chief guest at the Digvijay Stadium event themed ‘Yoga for Healthy Age’. He called yoga an invaluable heritage of Indian culture that helps prevent diseases and promotes longevity. Governor Raman Deka performed yoga in Raipur while other leaders participated in their respective districts.

Controversy in Bemetara

The celebrations were not without drama. BJP MLA Ishwar Sahu from Saja boycotted the district-level programme at Swami Vivekananda Stadium in Bemetara after noticing that his photograph was missing from the promotional posters and flex banners. Upset over the alleged snub, the MLA and his supporters left the venue, creating a brief flutter at the event.

CM hits out at Congress

During his address in Ambikapur, CM Sai also responded to allegations regarding tendering for the event dome, asking critics to look into their own collars first. He reminded people of alleged scams during the previous Congress regime and took a dig at Rahul Gandhi’s upcoming visit to Raipur, saying “wherever Rahul Gandhi goes, everyone knows the result.”

Youth players showcased Mallkhamb and Pyramid yoga, adding colour to the programme. In other districts like Manendragarh, Rajya Sabha MP Devendra Pratap Singh performed yoga and administered a pledge for drug-free lives. At Swami Vivekananda Airport in Raipur and other locations, employees and citizens actively participated.

Officials and yoga trainers highlighted how regular practice reduces stress, improves health and brings balance to life. The day saw enthusiastic participation from students, police personnel, athletes and common citizens across the state.

The episode involving MLA Ishwar Sahu has sparked discussions in local political circles even as the state government emphasised the larger message of health and wellness through yoga.

Heavy Showers Disrupt Ceremony

A mass wedding ceremony under the Chief Minister’s Kanya Vivah Yojana turned chaotic on Sunday after sudden heavy rain caught organisers unprepared, leaving brides and grooms scrambling for cover in an embarrassing scene that drew sharp criticism from senior leaders.

BJP MLA Dipesh Sahu tied the knot with Taruna Sahu, daughter of a driver, as part of the group wedding involving 21 couples. The event, which was attended by Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai and other senior leaders, quickly became a talking point for all the wrong reasons.

Traditional Procession Turns Wet

The celebrations began on a colourful note. All grooms, including the MLA, reached the Circuit House in e-rickshaws. From there, the baraat proceeded in traditional bullock carts amid peri dance performances. However, as the couples sat for the pheras, dark clouds opened up without warning.

With no proper rain cover in place, the situation turned messy. Grooms wearing sehra and brides in their wedding finery had to use whatever was available. Many couples and their families lifted plastic chairs and mattresses from the ground and held them over their heads to shield themselves from the downpour. Some managed with tarpaulin sheets and umbrellas, but the overall arrangement left much to be desired.

Deputy CM Slips, Raman Singh Loses Cool

In a moment caught on camera, Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao slipped while trying to board a bullock cart. The visuals added to the embarrassment for the administration.

Assembly Speaker Dr. Raman Singh, a former Chief Minister himself, did not hold back. In the presence of the Chief Minister and cabinet ministers, he publicly reprimanded the collector and superintendent of police. 

“I have never seen such mismanagement in my 15 years as Chief Minister,” Dr. Singh said, adding that officials failed to find an alternative venue even after two and a half hours. He remarked that he rarely speaks on such occasions but felt compelled to do so because the entire cabinet was present yet there was no seriousness among officials.

CM Orders Probe

Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai later acknowledged that the sudden rain had affected the arrangements. He said the programme was meant to bless the newly-wed couples and noted that while the old rest house hall could have been used as an alternative, there was little time. The Chief Minister has asked the commissioner to conduct an inquiry into the matter.

Congress Questions Eligibility

The controversy has given ammunition to the opposition. State Congress president Deepak Baij raised questions over the MLA’s marriage being conducted under the Kanya Vivah Yojana, which is meant for girls from poor and needy families. 

MLA Dipesh Sahu responded by stating that eligibility is based on the bride’s family. He clarified that Taruna belongs to a BPL family and registration was done accordingly.

MLA’s Humble Background

Dipesh Sahu, who taught in a government school for nearly a decade before entering politics, has held several organisational posts in the BJP, including district president of the OBC Morcha. He currently represents the Bemetara assembly segment. 

Taruna Sahu, originally from Birora village in Dhamdha tehsil of Durg district, has completed her MA. Her father Devnarayan Sahu is a driver, and the family currently resides in Bemetara.

MLA Pledges Scholarship Money

In a notable gesture, Sahu announced that he would not keep the financial assistance provided under the scheme for himself. Instead, he will use the amount to support the education of meritorious girl students.

Public Reaction and Significance

The incident has sparked discussion on social media, with images of couples holding chairs and mattresses over their heads going viral. While many appreciated the simplicity of the mass wedding and the MLA’s decision to marry under the government scheme, the poor handling of the rain has drawn criticism.

Mass weddings under the Kanya Vivah Yojana are a flagship programme of the Chhattisgarh government aimed at helping families from economically weaker sections. Such events are usually marked by simplicity and community participation, but Sunday’s episode in Bemetara has highlighted the need for better contingency planning, especially during the monsoon season.

Local residents who attended the event said while the spirit of the ceremony remained intact, the lack of basic arrangements dampened the celebrations.

As the commissioner’s inquiry begins, the episode is likely to serve as a reminder for district administrations to be better prepared for weather uncertainties during large public events.

Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman to grace finale of Youth MLA Conclave in Bhopal

The two-day inter-state summit featuring young legislators from Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Rajasthan concludes today with high-level sessions on parliamentary ethics.

The Madhya Pradesh capital is hosting the final leg of a significant legislative gathering as the ‘Youth MLA Conclave’ draws to a close today. Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh is set to attend the valedictory session as the chief guest, marking a high point for the three-state assembly.

The summit, which brought together nearly 50 young lawmakers from Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Rajasthan, aims to bridge the gap between grassroots leadership and parliamentary excellence. Chhattisgarh Assembly Speaker Raman Singh is also scheduled to participate in the deliberations today, adding further constitutional weight to the proceedings.

High-profile closing scheduled

The final session serves as a platform for veteran parliamentarians to mentor first-time and younger legislators. Sources indicated that the discussions today will focus on the nuances of legislative procedures and maintaining the dignity of the House. Following the formal conclusion of the event in the afternoon, the visiting delegates are slated to travel to Ujjain to offer prayers at the Mahakaleshwar Temple.

Focus on political discipline

The conclave was inaugurated on Monday by Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, alongside MP Assembly Speaker Narendra Singh Tomar and Rajasthan Speaker Vasudev Devnani. Addressing the gathering, CM Yadav emphasized that humility remains the most potent tool for a public representative. He urged the young leaders to identify both the strengths and systemic weaknesses of their respective constituencies to serve effectively.

Vision for Amrit Kaal

Dr. Yadav further noted that the conduct of young legislators is under global scrutiny as India marches toward the ‘Amrit Kaal’ of 2047. According to officials, the CM stressed that “discipline and decorum” are non-negotiable in public life. He encouraged the MLAs to look beyond immediate electoral gains and focus on long-term nation-building, reflecting a vision for a developed India.

Demand for student polls

The event also saw spirited contributions from the opposition. Leader of Opposition Umang Singhar sparked a debate by advocating for the resumption of student union elections. Singhar argued that leadership qualities are forged in the fires of college-level activism. He maintained that the roots of democracy are strengthened only when the youth are given a platform to challenge the system within educational frameworks.

Cross-state legislative synergy

The presence of Rajasthan Speaker Vasudev Devnani and Madhya Pradesh Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya highlighted the collaborative nature of the summit. This inter-state exchange is seen as a move to synchronize developmental goals across the Hindi heartland. The young MLAs were treated to traditional folk performances on the opening day, showcasing the shared cultural heritage of the three participating states.

Strengthening democratic roots

Legislative experts believe such conclaves are vital for the evolution of the Indian parliamentary system. By bringing together leaders from different states, the summit facilitates an exchange of best practices regarding policy implementation and public grievance redressal. The emphasis on "politics with a purpose" remained a recurring theme throughout the various technical sessions held at the MP Assembly premises.

Future roadmap for youth

As the conclave wraps up, the focus shifts to how these young leaders will implement the learnings in their home constituencies. The state government views this as a successful pilot in regional cooperation. With the insights gained from veterans like Harivansh and Raman Singh, these legislators are expected to bring a more refined, fact-driven approach to their respective state assemblies during the upcoming budget sessions.