The organisational elections of the Youth Congress have begun in Chhattisgarh, with eligible members aged between 18 and 35 years voting online to elect representatives for key positions at the state, district and Assembly levels. The online voting process will continue for a month and is scheduled to remain open until September 30.

Youth Congress members will vote for six positions in the ongoing organisational election. These include the state president, state general secretary, district president, district vice-president, district general secretary and Assembly president. Voting will not be held for the post of block president.

The election process is being conducted through an online platform, with the organisation aiming to select its leadership through a democratic and transparent system. The process has also increased activity among party workers and supporters across different areas of the state.

Workers Reach Out to Eligible Young Voters

With voting underway, Youth Congress workers and supporters have intensified their outreach among eligible members. Teams are visiting young voters and explaining the online voting procedure, while also helping them with technical issues related to the digital platform.

The outreach is particularly focused on ensuring that eligible members are able to participate in the election without being prevented by difficulties in accessing or using the online voting system.

Digital Voting Assistance in Kasdol

In the Kasdol Assembly constituency of Baloda Bazar district, workers are also helping young members understand the digital voting process. Members facing difficulties while voting online are being assisted at the local level.

Workers involved in the process said the assistance is intended to ensure that eligible voters are able to cast their votes before the September 30 deadline.

Six Positions Open for Voting

Each eligible Youth Congress member will be required to vote for six organisational positions. The posts include:

• State President

• State General Secretary

• District President

• District Vice-President

• District General Secretary

• Assembly President

The block president post is not included in the voting process.

Focus on Transparency in Election Process

Senior Youth Congress office-bearers at the state level have described the online election process as an effort to make the organisational exercise more transparent and impartial.

The election is also being viewed as important for determining the organisation's future leadership structure and direction. The participation of young members across different organisational levels is expected to play a significant role in the process.

Voting to Continue Till September 30

The online voting process will continue until September 30, giving eligible members a month to cast their votes. Youth Congress workers have urged eligible members to complete the voting process within the stipulated period.

Several young members have already reportedly used their mobile phones to participate in the online voting process. Organisational workers are continuing to provide assistance wherever members encounter technical difficulties.

Results Expected in First Week of October

Once the month-long voting process concludes, the results are expected to be announced in the first week of October.

The online voting mechanism is also expected to facilitate wider participation among eligible Youth Congress members. The final outcome will determine the new leadership across the six positions included in the organisational election.

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.

The Chhattisgarh government has announced a fresh round of appointments to various state corporations, boards and commissions, filling long-pending positions across 13 statutory and administrative bodies. A total of 25 leaders have been appointed as chairpersons, vice-chairpersons and members.

Among the key appointments, Dr Mamta Sahu has been named Chairperson of the Chhattisgarh State Women's Commission, while Gaurishankar Shrivas has been appointed Chairman of the Chhattisgarh State Hairdressers Welfare Board.

The appointments, announced by the state government, are expected to strengthen the functioning of several welfare, educational and development institutions.

Women's Commission Gets New Chairperson

Dr Mamta Sahu has been appointed Chairperson of the Chhattisgarh State Women's Commission, one of the most significant appointments in the latest list.

Meanwhile, Gaurishankar Shrivas has been named Chairman of the Chhattisgarh State Hairdressers Welfare Board, with Devsharan Sen appointed as a member of the board.

The government has also reconstituted the Chhattisgarh State Scheduled Castes Commission by appointing Ramlal Chauhan as Chairman and Vedram Manhare as Vice-Chairman, along with three new members.

Appointments Across Welfare Boards

Several welfare boards have also received new office-bearers.

Anand Nishad has been appointed Chairman of the Chhattisgarh Fishermen Welfare Board, while Netram Nishad has been named a member.

Rajendra Nayak has been appointed Chairman of the Shakambhari Board, with four members also inducted into the body.

Sudhir Gautam has been entrusted with the responsibility of Chairperson of the Chhattisgarh State Education Commission.

New Responsibilities in Cultural and Development Bodies

Rajesh Kumar Rajput has been appointed Chairman of the Chhattisgarh Sanskrit Vidya Mandal, while Suman Mutha has been named a member.

In the Raipur Development Authority (RDA), Dr J.P. Sharma has been appointed Vice-Chairman.

The government has also appointed Manmath Nath Sharma as a member of the State Commission for Protection of Child Rights and Prasanna Awasthi as a member of the Chhattisgarh Film Development Corporation.

Labour, Tribal and Cow Welfare Bodies Included

Kishore Mahanand has been appointed Vice-Chairman of the Chhattisgarh Labour Welfare Board.

Anand Kumar Tiwari, also known as Rajiv Lochan Das Maharaj, has been given the charge of Vice-Chairman of the Chhattisgarh Gau Seva Commission.

Mangal Das Thakur has been appointed Vice-Chairman of the Chhattisgarh State Scheduled Tribes Commission.

Long-Pending Appointments Finalised

The appointments had been awaited for several months, with a number of boards and commissions functioning without full leadership. The latest announcement fills key vacancies across institutions involved in welfare, education, social justice, culture and development.

The state government said the appointments cover 13 corporations, boards and commissions, with chairpersons, vice-chairpersons and members assuming responsibilities as per the notified orders.

Ravi Bhagat, former state president of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha in Chhattisgarh, resigned from the BJP's primary membership on Wednesday, sending a three-line letter on plain paper to the party's Mandal president Ramesh Hota. The resignation has gone viral on social media and triggered fresh political speculation in the state.

In his letter, Bhagat thanked the party for the recognition and respect it gave him despite his origins as a worker from a small village, but cited only "personal reasons" for his decision to quit. Copies of the resignation were sent to the BJP's national president, state president, and district president. Bhagat did not respond to calls seeking comment.

The exit, however, comes with considerable context.

On July 26, 2025, the BJP state office had issued Bhagat a show-cause notice, accusing him of making comments on social media that went against party policy and organisational discipline. State general secretary and headquarters in-charge Jagdish (Ramu) Rohra had given him three days to respond, warning that failure to provide a satisfactory reply could lead to expulsion from the party's primary membership. Bhagat's resignation is now being widely read as connected to that sequence of events.

What set off the internal conflict was Bhagat's persistent and public questioning of the District Mineral Fund — known as DMF — and how it was being spent in the region. Connected to the Lailunga area of Raigarh district, Bhagat had repeatedly raised concerns about alleged irregularities in DMF fund utilisation through social media posts and public platforms, at times openly taking on his own party's government on the issue. Those questions had already created friction within the organisation before the show-cause notice arrived.

With his resignation now public, the DMF controversy he raised has resurfaced in political circles. Whether Bhagat makes a formal move toward another political formation or remains independent is not yet clear. Further details are awaited.

Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi made a one-day visit to Chhattisgarh on Sunday, stopping at Abhanpur near Raipur to address the Congress party's ongoing ten-day residential training camp for newly appointed district and city unit presidents. The visit lasted around four hours before Gandhi left for the airport — but not before pulling over at a roadside tea stall, where he had chai and fed biscuits to PCC chief Deepak Baij.

The camp, being held at Ashutosh-Alka Agarwal Mangal Bhavan in Abhanpur's Chandi Mor area, is part of the party's Sangathan Srijan Abhiyan — a ground-up organisational exercise ahead of future elections. Gandhi addressed district and city Congress presidents in a special session, focusing on booth-level strengthening, anti-BJP political narrative, and electoral strategy. Before that, he met senior leaders and former ministers for about 40 minutes, followed by a separate meeting with a delegation of around 70 people including former MLAs and MPs.

Sachin Patel, Bhupesh Baghel, TS Singh Deo, and Charandas Mahant were among the senior leaders present. The camp itself covers a range of sessions beyond political speeches — participants are being trained in yoga, martial arts, personality development, media handling, public outreach, and booth management. Leaders have also been assigned to stay in villages, understand ground-level conditions under MGNREGA, and engage with communities on issues like drug abuse.

The day, however, had its share of embarrassing moments for the party. State Leader of Opposition Charandas Mahant was caught in the crowd crush at the venue gate and reportedly could not get inside — a video of the incident circulated widely. A party worker from Jaijapur in Sakti district had ridden a motorbike all the way to meet Gandhi, having earlier made a failed attempt to meet him in Delhi the same way.

There was also quiet resentment over the welcome posters. Three state Congress co-in-charges — Sajrita Letfhlang, Sampat Kumar, and Vijay Jangid — objected to their photos being missing from the posters while other leaders' pictures featured prominently. The matter, according to sources, has been flagged to the party high command.

BJP hit back swiftly. MLA Purandar Mishra questioned what Gandhi had come to teach Congress workers, sarcastically asking whether it was a training in corruption or recycled political gimmicks. He also took a dig over Lord Ram, noting the irony of Gandhi visiting Chhattisgarh — described as Ram's maternal home — given the Congress's past statements on the issue. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, attending a Yoga Day event in Ambikapur, remarked drily that people know what happens wherever Rahul goes.

Congress fired back just as quickly. Former MLA Vikas Upadhyay called Mishra an "accidental MLA" making unnecessary statements to stay relevant, adding that if BJP could not treat his apparent ment+al distress, Congress would be willing to step in.

The training camp has Patel scheduled to address participants in upcoming sessions as well, with the party positioning the exercise as its most serious attempt yet to strengthen the organisation at the grassroots before the next round of state and national elections.

A six-member fact-finding committee constituted by the Chhattisgarh Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) visited Raigarh on Wednesday to investigate the alleged custodial death of undertrial prisoner Sanjay Baghel. The team met the deceased's family members, jail officials, and senior police officers to gather information about the circumstances surrounding the case, which has sparked political and public attention in the district.

The committee, headed by Saraypali MLA Chaturi Nand, was formed by the state Congress leadership to conduct an independent assessment of the incident. Other members include Lailunga MLA Vidyawati Sidar, Bilaigarh MLA Kavita Pranlahare, Pamgarh MLA Sheshraj Harbansh, District Congress Rural President Nagendra Negi, and City Congress President Shakha Yadav.

According to party leaders, the committee's findings will be compiled into a detailed report and submitted to the Pradesh Congress Committee for further action.

Team Meets Family and Officials

The investigation team first visited the residence of Sanjay Baghel's relatives, where family members narrated their version of events and raised several allegations against the police and jail administration.

Following the interaction, the committee proceeded to the district jail and held discussions with the acting jail superintendent regarding the circumstances leading to Baghel's hospitalization and subsequent death.

Later, members of the panel also met the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) to obtain official information and updates on the ongoing inquiry.

District Congress President and committee member Shakha Yadav said the panel would examine all available facts before preparing its final report.

Background of the Case

According to police records, 32-year-old Sanjay Baghel, a resident of Nawapara village, was arrested on June 10 in connection with a liquor-related case.

Officials said Baghel's health deteriorated after his arrest, following which he was admitted to a hospital. He died under suspicious circumstances on June 13 while undergoing treatment.

The incident triggered strong reactions from family members, who reached the hospital after receiving news of his death. Tensions briefly escalated as relatives demanded an explanation regarding the circumstances that led to his demise.

Family Alleges Assault

The deceased's relatives have alleged that Baghel was assaulted while in custody, leading to a deterioration in his health and eventually his death.

His father claimed that police had detained two individuals during a social event. According to the family, one of the detainees was allegedly released after money was paid, while Baghel remained in custody because no payment was made. The family reportedly submitted a complaint regarding the matter to senior police authorities.

These allegations have become a key focus of both the official investigation and the Congress committee's inquiry.

Police Action and Ongoing Investigation

Following the complaint, the SSP ordered departmental action against two police personnel, who were subsequently attached to the police lines pending further inquiry.

Meanwhile, Kotra Road police released CCTV footage from the police station to support their position. According to police officials, the footage does not show any evidence of physical assault on Baghel while he was in custody.

Authorities have maintained that the investigation is still underway and that all aspects of the case are being examined. Officials have stated that conclusions will be drawn only after the completion of the inquiry and review of all available evidence.

Report to Determine Next Steps

The Congress fact-finding team is expected to submit its findings to the state party leadership in the coming days. The report may influence the party's stance on the issue and could lead to further demands for accountability if irregularities are found.

As investigations continue, the case remains under close scrutiny, with both political representatives and law enforcement agencies awaiting the outcome of the ongoing inquiries.

The Chhattisgarh High Court has declined to grant relief to former Chief Minister and Patan MLA Bhupesh Baghel in an election dispute case, clearing the way for a detailed hearing on a petition challenging his 2023 Assembly election victory. The court rejected Baghel's application seeking dismissal of the election petition and ruled that the matter warrants consideration on its merits.

The petition, filed by Durg MP Vijay Baghel, alleges that Bhupesh Baghel violated provisions of election law during the 2023 Chhattisgarh Assembly elections. The petitioner has sought to have Baghel's election declared void on the grounds of alleged violations during the campaign period.

With the High Court refusing to dismiss the case at the preliminary stage, regular hearings on the merits of the petition are scheduled to begin on June 23.

Allegations of Model Code Violation

According to the petition, Bhupesh Baghel allegedly participated in a rally and roadshow in the Patan constituency during the silence period immediately before polling, when election campaigning is prohibited under the Representation of the People Act.

The petitioner claims that election slogans were raised and votes were solicited during the event, constituting a violation of Section 126 of the Act. The allegations are reportedly supported by video recordings and other electronic material submitted before the court.

The petition argues that these actions amounted to a breach of election regulations and therefore justify a challenge to the validity of the election result.

Court Finds Petition Maintainable

During the proceedings, Bhupesh Baghel's legal team argued that the petition lacked sufficient particulars and should be dismissed without a trial. The defense contended that the allegations were vague and unsupported by conclusive evidence.

Counsel for Baghel also raised questions regarding the admissibility of electronic evidence, arguing that the petition did not include the required certification under Section 65B of the Indian Evidence Act for digital records.

The defense further maintained that the petitioner had failed to establish the identity of individuals involved in the alleged roadshow or provide clear proof linking the events directly to Baghel's consent and participation.

However, the High Court observed that the facts presented in the petition were sufficient to allow the case to proceed. The court held that issues relating to the authenticity and evidentiary value of documents and electronic records would be examined during the trial stage.

Previous Legal Efforts

This is not the first attempt by Bhupesh Baghel to challenge the maintainability of the election petition. Earlier applications seeking dismissal of the case had also failed before the High Court.

Subsequently, Baghel approached the Supreme Court, which permitted him to file a fresh application before the High Court on the issue of maintainability. Acting on that liberty, he filed the latest plea, which has now been rejected.

The High Court clarified that the former Chief Minister remains free to challenge the authenticity of evidence and electronic records during the course of the trial.

Political and Legal Significance

The case carries political significance as it involves one of Chhattisgarh's most prominent political leaders. Legal experts note that election petitions are governed by a high evidentiary threshold, and courts typically require detailed examination of facts before arriving at a final conclusion.

The court's latest order does not determine the truth of the allegations but only confirms that the petition contains sufficient grounds for a full hearing.

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai chairs key cabinet meeting in Nava Raipur; new transfer policy and farmer-related proposals among major items expected to be cleared

Key Decisions Expected Today

A significant cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai is underway at the state secretariat in Nava Raipur, Raipur, with several major administrative and policy decisions likely to be formalised by day's end. The meeting has drawn considerable attention from government employees, farmers, and administrative circles alike.

Transfer Ban Likely to Be Lifted

The most closely watched agenda item is the proposed new transfer policy for state government officials and employees. The existing freeze on transfers is expected to be lifted following cabinet approval of the fresh policy framework. If cleared, large-scale postings and transfers across departments could begin shortly, ending months of administrative uncertainty for government staff across Chhattisgarh.

Farmers' Issues on the Table

Agricultural matters also figure prominently in the day's agenda. The cabinet is set to review paddy procurement at minimum support price for the upcoming Kharif marketing year, along with the custom milling policy. Additionally, the availability of fertilisers and seeds for farmers during the current Kharif season is expected to be assessed. Several proposals linked to farming and agriculture may also receive formal approval during the meeting.

CM Helpline 1076 Launches Today

Coinciding with the cabinet session, the state government is launching its much-anticipated CM Helpline 1076 service. The rollout follows the conclusion of Suhasaan Tihar, the state's governance outreach initiative. Through the toll-free number 1076, residents across Chhattisgarh can now register complaints and grievances directly with the government.

Beyond phone calls, the helpline will be accessible via a dedicated web portal, a mobile application, and WhatsApp — broadening access for citizens in urban and rural areas alike. Officials claim the multi-channel grievance system will significantly streamline problem resolution for ordinary residents.

Suhasaan Tihar Feedback Under Review

The cabinet is also expected to discuss feedback and complaints gathered during the Suhasaan Tihar programme. The exercise, aimed at bringing administration closer to citizens, generated considerable public input that the government now plans to act upon.

Broader Agenda Spans Multiple Sectors

Beyond transfers and agriculture, proposals related to employees, industry, and various government departments are lined up for clearance. According to sources in the secretariat, the meeting is being viewed as a pivotal one for setting the administrative direction in the months ahead — particularly in terms of governance reforms and pro-farmer policy moves.

State government officials indicated that the decisions taken today would have direct bearing on departmental functioning and public service delivery across Chhattisgarh.

Rajya Sabha MP fires up party cadre at Shaheed Smarak Bhavan, calls state government a "garbad engine"

Rajya Sabha MP and senior Aam Aadmi Party leader Sanjay Singh on Monday addressed a workers' conference in Raipur, rallying party cadres with a combative message: fight for the public's rights without fear, even if it means jail. The event, held at Shaheed Smarak Bhavan in the state capital, drew a large turnout of AAP office-bearers and grassroots workers from across Chhattisgarh.

"Garbad Engine" Jibe at BJP

Singh came out swinging against both the state and central governments. Dismissing the BJP's "double engine government" narrative, he said Chhattisgarh is instead running on a "garbad engine" — a broken, dysfunctional setup that has failed ordinary citizens. He accused the ruling dispensation of allowing the state's mineral wealth to be plundered while residents continue to suffer from inflation, unemployment, and a crumbling healthcare system.

Forests and natural resources, he alleged, are being handed over to big industrialists, leaving local communities with little to show for the state's rich endowments.

Schools Shut, Youth Adrift

On education, Singh alleged that the BJP government has shut thousands of schools, directly harming the prospects of children from poorer families. He contrasted this with AAP's record in Delhi, pointing to the transformation of government schools and the Mohalla Clinic model as examples of what political will can achieve. "Ten years of Arvind Kejriwal's work in Delhi has shown what governance for the people actually looks like," he said, urging workers to carry that message to every village and booth in the state.

He pressed cadres to focus on expanding the organisation at the grassroots level, calling booth-level strengthening critical ahead of future elections.

Congress Not Spared

Singh's attack was not limited to the BJP. He argued that voters in Chhattisgarh have grown disillusioned with both established parties. "The public is looking for a third option," he said, positioning AAP as that alternative. The party, he indicated, will step up its organisational drive across the state in the months ahead.

Solidarity With D.Ed Candidates

After the conference, Singh drove to a protest site near Mana-Tuta where D.Ed degree holders have been agitating for a considerable period, demanding regularisation of their jobs or recruitment. He spent time listening to their grievances and pledged his support.

Acknowledging that the candidates have persisted through harsh weather conditions, Singh said the state government cannot afford to keep ignoring their demands. He advised the protesters to form a delegation of five to ten members to formally engage with the government and added that he would raise their issue in Parliament if necessary.

Senior Leadership Present

The workers' conference was also attended by Chhattisgarh in-charge Mukesh Ahlawat, co-in-charges Saurabh Jha and Samar Kumar, acting state president Uttam Jaiswal, along with Abhishek Mishra, Devalal Nareti, state general secretary Wadood Alam, and chief spokesperson Suraj Upadhyay, among others.

The gathering signals a renewed push by AAP to build serious electoral infrastructure in Chhattisgarh, a state where the party has yet to make a significant dent but is clearly investing in long-term presence.

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.

A First Information Report (FIR) has been registered against BJP MLA Ramkumar Toppo and about 10 of his supporters after an alleged assault on Rajapur’s naib tehsildar, officials said on Monday. The incident on the evening of May 27 has triggered a shutdown of tehsil offices and a protest by junior administrative officers across the district.

What happened
According to police records and administrative sources, the naib tehsildar of Rajapur, Tushar Manik, was allegedly assaulted in Rajapur by Toppo and his supporters when he had gone there to sign a file connected to a land document. Initial reports indicate the confrontation began after a dispute over processing a branch-shodh (land record) application filed on May 14 by the MLA’s relative, and escalated when the naib tehsildar was summoned back to Rajapur from Sitapur.

FIR and counter-FIR
An FIR against Toppo and his associates—named in police papers as Yusuf, Nazim Raja, Pankaj Gupta and others—was lodged under multiple sections including obstruction of public servants and assault. A counter-FIR has also been registered after a complaint from the MLA’s camp, police said. Both cases are under investigation by the Sitapur police.

Officials’ response
Local administration sources said tehsildars and naib tehsildars met Surguja Collector Ajit Vasant on Monday morning. Following the meeting, junior administrative officers staged a sit-in at Kalakendra ground, pressing for the MLA’s arrest and immediate action. “Unless appropriate action is taken, the agitation will continue,” a senior local officer said on condition of anonymity.

Victim’s demand: narco test
The alleged victim, Tushar Manik, told reporters he wants a narco analysis for himself and the MLA to establish facts, and he urged authorities to order the test. “We want the truth to come out. Until a proper probe is completed, our strike will continue,” Manik said. Toppo, contacted by phone, said he is ready to cooperate with all investigations and submit to tests if required, but has not clearly indicated whether he will surrender to police.

Political reaction
Congress state president Deepak Baij criticised the state government and the BJP, calling the episode an example of “gundagardi” by party workers and accusing the administration of double standards. “The chief minister must say whether his MLA will be arrested,” Baij said on social media. Former deputy chief minister T.S. Singhdev described the incident as unfortunate and stressed that rule of law must prevail if an FIR exists.

Ground-level impact
Tehsil offices in Surguja remain technically open but routine work has come to a halt, officials at the district headquarters said. Citizens seeking land certificates and other services faced delays on Monday as scores of administrative staff took part in the protest. “Public work is suffering. People have to wait while the administration sorts this out,” a local resident in Rajapur said.

Timeline and movements
Police records show the altercation took place around 6pm on May 27. Toppo had already reportedly returned to Sitapur when the naib tehsildar was called back to Rajapur. The MLA later travelled towards Ambikapur but was stopped by supporters at Mangari and returned to Sitapur, according to local accounts. There were reports that the MLA spent the night at the rest house with supporters.

What happens next
Investigating officers said statements are being recorded and evidence collected; forensic or medical reports from the alleged assault are awaited. The district administration is expected to furnish a status update after preliminary inquiries. Sources said any order for narco analysis would require court permission or a directive from higher police authorities.

Related developments
The episode has become a political flashpoint in Surguja, with both ruling and opposition camps using social media to press their narratives. District police said they will act as per law once investigations yield conclusive evidence.

Over 1,500 voters to decide winner as BJP, Congress, AAP battle for key municipal seat

 Voting is underway in the Indira Ward by-election of the Jagdalpur Municipal Corporation, with 1,542 electors set to decide their next councillor in a high-stakes triangular fight.

Polling began early morning at two designated booths and will continue until 5 PM. Authorities have deployed adequate security arrangements to ensure smooth conduct. Initial reports suggest a steady stream of voters, though officials expect footfall to pick up as the day progresses.

Triangular Fight

The contest has drawn attention because of the three-way split. The BJP has fielded Manohar Dutt Tiwari, considered close to state party president Kiran Dev. The Congress is backing Ramkrishna Tiwari, while the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has nominated Rubina Quraishi.

All three candidates have claimed they are confident of victory. Campaigning over the past week saw door-to-door outreach by each party, with local issues dominating the conversation.

Congress Bastion Under Threat

This isn't a routine by-election. The Indira Ward has been a Congress stronghold for roughly three decades. The seat fell vacant after the death of sitting councillor Abdul Rashid, who won four consecutive terms. Before him, his mother represented the ward twice.

That legacy is now under pressure. According to sources familiar with the matter, the Congress is working hard to defend its traditional base. But the BJP sees an opening. With the party in power at the municipal level and holding the MLA seat in the area, a win here carries symbolic weight.

What’s at Stake

For the BJP, this is a credibility battle. Local political observers say the party is keen to prove it can breach the Congress's vote bank in a ward that has consistently rejected it for years.

For the Congress, it's about holding ground. Losing Indira Ward would be a psychological blow, especially in a region where the party has relied on its municipal presence to stay relevant.

AAP, meanwhile, is attempting to turn the contest into a genuine three-cornered fight. While the party has little historical presence here, its candidate has been active in outreach, particularly among women voters.

Official ReactionJagdalpur Mayor Sanjay Pandey, speaking to reporters earlier today, acknowledged the challenge but struck an optimistic note.

"This by-election is certainly challenging because this has been a Congress stronghold for 30 years," Pandey said. "But looking at the effort our workers have put in, the result will be that the lotus blooms in this ward. Voters are with the BJP."

The Congress candidate did not issue a formal statement at the time of filing this report, though party workers on the ground said they remain confident of retaining the seat.

Ground Reality

At the two polling centres, election staff were seen verifying voter ID cards before allowing access. Queue management appeared orderly, with waiting times reported to be reasonable. Local authorities had also arranged e-rickshaw services for elderly and differently-abled voters to reach the booths without difficulty.

One presiding officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, "The process has been smooth so far. No complaints have been received from any candidate or party agent."

Results and Next Steps

Votes will be counted on June 4, along with several other local body bypolls in the region. Until then, the 1,542 voters of Indira Ward hold the final word.

For now, the two polling booths remain active. And for three parties, every hour of voting matters.