BJP MLA Blasts Officials Over Revenue Delays in Chhattisgarh

Balrampur legislator Shakuntala Singh Porte warns of public curse at Sushasan Tihaar event, video goes viral amid grievance backlog.

In a heated outburst at a public event, Pratappur BJP MLA Shakuntala Singh Porte took officials to task for delaying revenue work and troubling villagers in Chhattisgarh's Balrampur district. The incident unfolded on May 8 during the Sushasan Tihaar programme in Wadrafnagar block, where locals aired long-pending complaints. Her sharp remarks, now circulating widely online, underscore growing frustration with administrative lapses in rural areas.

Fiery Platform Reprimand

From the dais, Porte didn't hold back as villagers described endless office runs for land demarcation, name transfers, partitions and pattas. "People come exhausted after morning bus rides, wait hours, and leave disappointed—cursing if unheard," she said, according to reports. Initial accounts indicate she stressed that passing exams doesn't place anyone above the public, urging officers to wield their "pen power" responsibly.

Porte contrasted officials' authority with lawmakers' reliance on public support. Sources familiar with the matter noted her reminder: government schemes could transform lives, but delivery rests with those in positions of power. She directed staff to visit villages instead of staying office-bound, ensuring benefits reach the needy.

Public Wrath Warning

The MLA's core message cut deep: "The curse of the people breaks even the mightiest pride." This came amid complaints of persistent delays in revenue matters, a key focus of the ongoing Sushasan Tihaar campaign launched by Chhattisgarh to clear pre-May 1 pendings, especially land issues. Her words resonated, with the video gaining traction on social media within hours.

Local authorities confirmed the event's setting in Wadrafnagar, a block plagued by such grievances. Porte emphasized awakening beneficiaries too, but pinned primary duty on officials like SDMs, patwaris and tehsildars.

Echoes from Fellow Lawmakers

This isn't isolated. Earlier, Balrampur's Samri BJP MLA Uddeshwari Paikra issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the collector for removing Rajpur SDM over absence at a foundation event. Though the officer remains posted, the video sparked buzz. Paikra threatened a dharna, highlighting protocol tensions.

In Gariaband, Rajim BJP MLA Rohit Sahu erupted at a May 5 Sushasan Tihaar camp over bribery claims, vowing to "beat the patwari with shoes." Patwari union responded by boycotting the festival, fanning administrative unease.

Grievance Campaign Context

Sushasan Tihaar aims to fast-track public redressal, targeting revenue backlogs in the first phase. Yet, these flare-ups reveal ground realities: villagers' daily struggles clashing with official inertia. Officials face mounting pressure as MLAs amplify rural voices.

Path Ahead

Porte wrapped up calling for proactive governance, blending her capacity with officials' reach. As videos spread, district administration may review delays to avert escalation. Similar events continue statewide, testing the campaign's promise amid political heat.