The resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan following the NEET paper leak controversy has triggered sharp political reactions in Chhattisgarh, with leaders across party lines offering contrasting views on the development.

Former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel described the resignation as a victory for students and youth across the country. In a post on X, Baghel said the decision reflected the success of sustained protests demanding accountability over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination process.

Taking a swipe at the Centre, Baghel compared the Modi government to "Hiranyakashyap" from Hindu mythology and described the country's Gen-Z students as the "Narasimha avatar" that forced the government to act. He said the resignation represented a defeat for the Union government and a victory for students seeking justice.

Chhattisgarh Assembly Speaker and former Chief Minister Dr Raman Singh also backed the resignation, though from a different perspective. He said the decision was necessary to calm the nationwide agitation surrounding the examination controversy.

"The issue had become a matter of national concern. Bringing it to a conclusion was important," Raman Singh said, adding that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah had already indicated that stricter laws would be introduced to curb examination-related malpractices.

However, the BJP's stand within the state government appeared divided. Chhattisgarh School Education Minister Gajendra Yadav expressed support for Dharmendra Pradhan and argued that the minister should not have resigned.

Yadav said that a large ministry functions through thousands of officials and employees, making it unfair to hold the minister directly responsible for every administrative lapse. He urged Pradhan to withdraw his resignation in the national interest, noting that the Centre had already constituted an inquiry committee and established fast-track courts to investigate the matter.

Meanwhile, celebrations broke out among student organisations in several parts of the state. In Bilaspur, students and youth groups organised a "Victory Rally," raising slogans in support of student unity and demanding the dissolution of the National Testing Agency (NTA). Protesters maintained that while the minister's resignation marked an important milestone, their larger campaign for examination reforms and institutional accountability would continue.

Congress workers in Raipur also took out a victory procession, calling the resignation a result of sustained public pressure over the alleged paper leak.

The resignation marks a significant political development, as Dharmendra Pradhan has become the first Union minister in the Narendra Modi government since 2014 to step down following sustained public protests. Earlier, in 2018, then Minister of State for External Affairs M.J. Akbar resigned amid allegations during the global #MeToo movement, though the circumstances were unrelated to government policy.

The NEET controversy has also renewed attention on India's anti-paper leak framework. In June 2024, the Centre implemented the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act to tackle examination fraud. The law makes offences such as paper leaks, organised cheating, unauthorised access to examination materials and related offences non-bailable, with punishments ranging from three to ten years' imprisonment and heavy financial penalties, depending on the nature of the offence.

Despite the new legislation, opposition parties and student organisations have continued to demand broader reforms to restore confidence in the country's examination system.

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.

The fourth day of the Chhattisgarh Assembly's Monsoon Session witnessed sharp exchanges between the treasury and opposition benches on Thursday, with the alleged use of fake Gram Sabha resolutions for industrial projects emerging as the biggest flashpoint. The Congress staged a walkout after expressing dissatisfaction with the government's response, while a separate debate over the Seva Gram project led to a heated verbal exchange between former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel and BJP MLA Ajay Chandrakar.

During Question Hour, former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel raised concerns over alleged forged Gram Sabha resolutions reportedly used to facilitate industrial projects in tribal areas. Responding to the issue, Industries Minister O.P. Choudhary informed the House that the matter is under police investigation and appropriate legal action would be taken after the inquiry is completed.

The opposition rejected the response, arguing that the government had failed to provide clear accountability or immediate action against those responsible. Following the minister's reply, Congress legislators staged a walkout from the Assembly.

Seva Gram Debate Turns Heated

The session also saw an intense exchange between Bhupesh Baghel and senior BJP MLA Ajay Chandrakar during discussions related to the Seva Gram project. The debate escalated over remarks made during the proceedings.

Later, Chandrakar expressed regret in the House over his choice of words. Acknowledging the gesture, Bhupesh Baghel responded by thanking him, bringing the verbal confrontation to a close.

Questions Raised on Fisheries Policy

Leader of Opposition questioned provisions in the state's fisheries policy, alleging that certain clauses allowed taxation in forest-area ponds despite legal protections for tribal communities.

Replying to the discussion, Fisheries Minister Ramvichar Netam said the government is preparing a new fisheries policy that will address existing anomalies. BJP MLA Ajay Chandrakar also criticized provisions introduced under the previous Congress government, claiming they allowed large-scale leasing of water bodies to registered entities at the cost of local fishing communities.

The minister assured the House that the revised policy would correct such issues.

Fertiliser Distribution Under Scrutiny

Congress MLA Daleshwar Sahu raised concerns over the distribution of fertilisers across districts, alleging that some regions had received supplies well beyond their targets while others faced shortages.

Agriculture Minister Ramvichar Netam informed the Assembly that 14.06 lakh metric tonnes of fertiliser had been allocated, with 64% distributed through the cooperative sector and 36% through private dealers. He maintained that allocation was carried out according to the requirements of farmers and the distribution framework approved by the Centre.

The opposition demanded an inquiry into alleged imbalances in fertiliser allocation, particularly between tribal and plain regions.

Copper Plate Manuscripts Trigger Fresh Controversy

Another issue that drew attention was the historical Balarjun copper plate inscriptions discovered at Malhar in Bilaspur district.

Congress MLA Raghavendra Singh pointed to an alleged discrepancy between information shared in Parliament-linked references and the government's written response in the Assembly regarding the language of the inscriptions.

He argued that while the Prime Minister had previously referred to the inscriptions as being in Brahmi and Pali, the government's reply stated they were written in Brahmi script and Sanskrit language. He accused officials of providing inaccurate information to the minister.

Culture Minister Rajesh Agrawal assured the House that the matter would be examined and action would be taken against officials if incorrect information had indeed been supplied.

The minister informed the Assembly that under the Gyan Bharatam Mission, more than 1.24 lakh manuscripts had been registered from Chhattisgarh through a mobile application. Of these, over 12,000 manuscripts had been verified, while the remaining entries were rejected due to technical or procedural reasons.

Session Continues Amid Political Sparring

Thursday's proceedings reflected continued political confrontation between the ruling BJP and the Congress opposition, with debates spanning governance, tribal rights, agriculture, heritage conservation and industrial approvals. The Monsoon Session is expected to witness further discussions on key legislative and administrative matters in the coming days.

The dispute centres on the Congress high command's July 1 decision to retain Amarinder Singh Raja Warring as Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee president ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections. As part of the same organisational reshuffle, former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi was named chairman of the party's Campaign Committee, while Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa was given charge of the Election Management Committee — an arrangement designed to spread responsibility across the party's senior leaders and ensure representation across Jat Sikh, Dalit Sikh and Hindu community lines within the state unit.

The reshuffle didn't land as intended. Channi, widely believed to have wanted the state unit's top job for himself, has been joined by Gurdaspur MP Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa — a past rival now aligned with him against Warring — in openly opposing the decision. A meeting meant to resolve the standoff, hosted by senior MLA Rana Gurjeet Singh at his Chandigarh residence on July 11, drew over 90 party leaders, a notably larger turnout than the roughly 60 who'd gathered at Channi's residence right after the original announcement. Nearly every senior Punjab Congress leader not aligned with Warring attended, including Bajwa himself, despite his historically frosty relations with both Channi and Randhawa.

Congress's Punjab in-charge Bhupesh Baghel, who has faced accusations from Randhawa and others of favouring Warring over the party's broader interests, held the meeting expecting a possible breakthrough. Instead, Randhawa emerged afterward to declare that the party doesn't need "compromised leaders," with Channi standing beside him as he said it — a clear signal the talks had failed. Notably, neither Channi nor Randhawa nor even the usually conciliatory Bajwa joined Baghel when he addressed reporters afterward, itself read as a sign of how badly the meeting had gone.

Sources say the Channi camp's demand goes beyond simply removing Warring as party chief — they also want him excluded entirely from candidate selection for next year's Assembly polls. Baghel rejected that specific demand outright, but said he would relay the group's broader concerns to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and organisational general secretary KC Venugopal. Baghel has separately insisted publicly that the high command's original decision "will not be reconsidered" under pressure, dismissing the standoff as something too serious to be treated like a "gudda-guddi ka khel" — a Hindi idiom for child's play, roughly translating to a mock doll's wedding.

With no resolution reached, the matter now sits with the central leadership. Bajwa, for his part, has urged all factions to keep their eyes on the bigger contest, arguing that no individual leader's ambition should outweigh the party's or the state's interests — a message so far more aspirational than descriptive of where Punjab Congress actually stands heading into election season.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday produced businessman Vikas Garg, an accused in the multi-crore Mahadev Online Betting App money laundering case, before a special court in Raipur after securing his transit remand from Delhi. The agency is expected to seek his custodial interrogation to investigate the alleged financial network, money laundering transactions and links with other accused connected to the online betting syndicate.

Garg was arrested by the ED in New Delhi on July 14. A Delhi court granted the central agency 24-hour transit remand, allowing officials to bring him to Chhattisgarh for further legal proceedings. His production before the Raipur court marks the latest development in one of India's largest ongoing investigations into illegal online betting and money laundering.

ED to probe financial network

According to the Enforcement Directorate, Garg is suspected of playing a significant role in handling financial transactions linked to the Mahadev betting network. Investigators are expected to question him regarding the movement of funds, the structure of the alleged betting syndicate, and the involvement of other individuals connected to the operation.

The agency had recently attached assets worth ₹940.77 crore allegedly linked to companies controlled by Garg. These properties form part of the broader investigation into proceeds of crime generated through illegal online betting operations.

Money laundering through shell companies

The ED has alleged that money generated from the Mahadev betting platform was routed through shell companies and layered financial transactions to disguise its origin.

Investigators claim that nearly ₹940.77 crore in proceeds of crime was channelled into companies associated with Garg. The funds were allegedly invested in shares, commercial ventures and other assets to legitimise money earned through unlawful betting activities.

The agency believes the syndicate operated through a franchise-based panel system managed from overseas, enabling large-scale illegal betting operations across multiple Indian states.

Illegal betting network under scanner

The ED initiated its investigation based on FIRs registered by Chhattisgarh Police in Durg district, along with criminal cases filed in Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal and other states.

According to the agency, the betting syndicate generated illegal proceeds exceeding ₹450 crore every month through online gaming and betting platforms operating under the Mahadev brand.

Officials have maintained that the investigation is continuing to identify additional beneficiaries, financial facilitators and entities linked to the alleged money laundering network.

Assets worth ₹3,800 crore attached

The Mahadev Online Book investigation has witnessed several rounds of enforcement action over the past few years.

Before the latest attachment, the ED had already attached, seized or frozen movable, immovable and overseas assets worth approximately ₹2,825 crore. With the addition of properties linked to Vikas Garg, the total value of assets attached in the Mahadev Online Book and Sky Exchange betting cases has now reached nearly ₹3,800 crore, according to the agency.

The ED has also filed multiple prosecution complaints before the Special PMLA Court in Raipur, which has taken cognisance of the charges in the money laundering case.

Political allegations surface

The developments also triggered political reactions in Chhattisgarh.

Former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel alleged that Vikas Garg was associated with the BJP's Delhi unit and questioned why the Centre had not shut down the Mahadev betting application despite having the authority to do so.

Baghel claimed that individuals linked to the ruling party were allegedly part of the betting syndicate and demanded a wider investigation. He also called for scrutiny of certain former officials, alleging that all individuals connected with the case should be investigated.

The BJP has not issued an immediate response to the allegations.

Meanwhile, the ED has reiterated that its investigation into the Mahadev betting syndicate remains ongoing and that further action will depend on evidence gathered during custodial interrogation and financial analysis.

The second day of the Chhattisgarh Assembly's Monsoon Session witnessed repeated disruptions on Tuesday as the opposition cornered the BJP government over the Vedanta plant accident in Sakti district, in which 25 people lost their lives, while a sharp verbal exchange over the Congress' proposed no-confidence motion added to the political heat inside the House.

The Congress accused the government of failing to ensure accountability in the industrial tragedy and demanded stringent action against those responsible. Unsatisfied with the government's response, opposition legislators staged a protest inside the Assembly before walking out.

Vedanta Accident Dominates Question Hour

The Vedanta plant incident remained the central issue during Question Hour.

Leader of Opposition Dr Charan Das Mahant questioned the government on whether any attempt had been made to interrogate or arrest industrialist Anil Agarwal in connection with the accident.

Replying on behalf of the government, Industries Minister Lakhan Lal Dewangan informed the House that an FIR had already been registered and the investigation was underway. He assured members that legal action would be taken against anyone found responsible after the probe.

Former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel also sought clarification on whether investigators had attempted to question senior officials linked to the company and whether accountability would extend to top management in similar industrial accidents.

Dissatisfied with the minister's response, Congress legislators protested inside the House before staging a walkout.

War of Words Over No-Confidence Motion

Political temperatures rose further when the discussion shifted to the Congress' proposed no-confidence motion against the Vishnu Deo Sai government.

During Question Hour, BJP MLA Ajay Chandrakar remarked that the Opposition had already submitted a no-confidence motion but was continuing to raise questions inside the House.

Responding to the comment, Leader of Opposition Dr Charan Das Mahant replied that the reasons behind bringing the motion would be explained during the debate, leading to a sharp exchange between the two senior legislators and drawing attention across the Assembly.

The no-confidence motion, expected to be admitted after procedural formalities, will be the 10th such motion in the history of the Chhattisgarh Assembly since the state's formation.

Farm Issues Trigger Another Protest

The Congress also moved an adjournment motion over issues related to fertiliser availability, certified seeds and electricity supply during the ongoing kharif season.

Opposition members alleged shortages of DAP, potash and other fertilisers, accusing the government of failing to support farmers during the sowing season.

Agriculture Minister Ramvichar Netam rejected the allegations, stating that the state had adequate stocks of fertilisers and seeds. He informed the House that more than 14 lakh metric tonnes of fertilisers had been made available and action had been taken in 94 cases involving substandard fertilisers.

Unhappy with the reply, Congress MLAs entered the well of the House and raised slogans. As per Assembly rules, members entering the well were suspended, following which the Opposition again walked out and protested outside the House.

Questions Raised on Drinking Water Supply

The Assembly also discussed drinking water infrastructure in Raipur under the AMRUT Mission and the Jal Jeevan Mission.

BJP MLA Ajay Chandrakar sought details on the city's water supply network, expenditure on tanker services and the progress of the AMRUT project.

Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao informed the House that the AMRUT Mission, launched in 2016 and completed in 2025, was implemented at a cost of ₹427.37 crore. He said 20 wards currently receive full water supply, while 25 wards have partial coverage, adding that the scheme was never designed to provide 24x7 drinking water services.

Political Significance

Although the BJP enjoys a comfortable majority with 54 MLAs against the Congress' 35 legislators, the no-confidence motion is expected to provide the Opposition an opportunity to question the government's performance on issues including law and order, farmers' welfare, unemployment, alleged corruption and administrative decisions.

The ruling BJP, meanwhile, is expected to defend its governance record and development initiatives during the debate.

The Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly witnessed repeated disruptions on Monday as the Opposition Congress raised the issue of alleged irregularities in Ram Temple donations, leading to heated exchanges with the ruling BJP and the eventual adjournment of the House until Tuesday.

As soon as the Monsoon Session commenced, Leader of Opposition Dr Charan Das Mahant and Congress legislators entered the Assembly carrying posters alleging theft of donations collected for the Ram Temple. The Opposition accused those responsible of betraying the faith of devotees and demanded discussion on the issue.

Adjournment Motion Rejected

Responding to the Opposition's demand, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ajay Chandrakar said the matter did not fall within the jurisdiction of the Chhattisgarh Assembly or the state government.

Assembly Speaker Dr Raman Singh rejected the adjournment motion, stating that the issue was not related to the state's legislative domain.

The rejection triggered loud sloganeering from Congress members, forcing the Speaker to adjourn the proceedings briefly. Even after the House reconvened, protests continued, resulting in repeated interruptions before the Assembly was finally adjourned for the day.

Bhupesh Baghel Targets BJP

During the protest, former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel alleged that people from Chhattisgarh had also contributed donations for the construction of the Ram Temple.

He claimed that devotees had donated money in good faith but alleged that the funds had been misappropriated, accusing those responsible of betraying public trust.

The ruling BJP rejected the allegations, maintaining that the matter was already being dealt with through appropriate legal and investigative processes.

Education Issues Raised During Question Hour

Before the House was disrupted, Question Hour focused on higher education and teacher training institutions in the state.

BJP MLA Lata Usendi raised concerns over the absence of BEd and DEd courses at Shaheed Mahendra Karma University in Kondagaon and sought clarification regarding implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

Replying to the questions, Higher Education Minister Tank Ram Verma said the National Education Policy has already been implemented across universities and colleges in the state.

He also informed the House that a task force has been constituted to examine proposals for starting BEd and DEd programmes in 13 colleges across Chhattisgarh.

Tribute to Teejan Bai

The Assembly proceedings began with members paying tribute to Padma Vibhushan awardee Teejan Bai, the renowned Pandavani exponent who passed away recently.

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai remembered her contribution in taking Chhattisgarh's traditional folk art to global audiences and described her legacy as a source of inspiration for future generations.

Leader of Opposition Dr Charan Das Mahant also paid tribute, recalling her immense contribution to preserving the state's cultural heritage. As a mark of respect, the House observed condolences and suspended proceedings for five minutes.

Congress to Move No-Confidence Motion

The political confrontation is expected to continue on Tuesday when the Congress plans to move a no-confidence motion against the BJP government.

Although the ruling BJP enjoys a clear majority in the Assembly, the Opposition is expected to use the debate to raise issues related to governance, law and order, farmers' concerns and other public matters.

The discussion is likely to witness sharp exchanges between Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai and senior Congress leaders during the remaining days of the Monsoon Session.

The high-level meeting was held in Chandigarh as part of the party's efforts to address growing dissatisfaction among a section of Punjab Congress leaders. Channi, accompanied by several supporters, met Baghel, who is the party's Punjab in-charge, to discuss organisational issues and concerns over the state leadership. However, the discussions ended without any immediate resolution.

According to party sources, the Channi camp once again argued that replacing Raja Warring was essential to strengthen the Congress before the next Assembly election. The dissenting leaders reportedly maintained that a change in leadership would help the party present a united front against the ruling Aam Aadmi Party and the BJP.

Baghel, however, sought to downplay speculation of a major organisational shake-up. Speaking after the meeting, he said there was no infighting within the Punjab Congress and insisted that discussions among party leaders should not be viewed as signs of division. He also indicated that any decision regarding the state leadership rests with the Congress high command and not with individual leaders or factions.

The latest round of talks comes days after the Congress announced its organisational structure for the Punjab Assembly elections. The party retained Amarinder Singh Raja Warring as the Punjab Congress president while appointing Charanjit Singh Channi as chairman of the campaign committee. The appointments were intended to balance responsibilities among senior leaders, but they also triggered fresh discontent within a section of the state unit.

During the meeting, leaders from the Channi camp are understood to have raised concerns over the functioning of the state organisation and reiterated their objections to Warring's continuation as PPCC chief. Senior Congress leader Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, who has also expressed reservations over the present leadership arrangement, reportedly attended the discussions and backed the demand for organisational changes.

Despite the sharp differences, Baghel expressed confidence that the party would remain united. He assured the leaders that their concerns would be conveyed to the Congress high command and stressed that the focus should remain on strengthening the organisation ahead of the electoral battle in Punjab.

The disagreement has drawn attention because Punjab is expected to be one of the Congress' key political battlegrounds in the 2027 Assembly election. While the party hopes to regain power after its defeat in 2022, persistent factionalism has emerged as a challenge to its preparations. Political observers believe the Congress leadership will have to strike a balance between accommodating influential regional leaders and maintaining organisational stability before the election campaign gathers momentum.

For now, there is no indication that the Congress high command is considering an immediate leadership change in Punjab. With both sides holding firm to their positions, the internal discussions are expected to continue in the coming weeks as the party works to project unity before entering the next phase of election preparations.

Speaking during his visit to Chandigarh, Baghel rejected claims that the Punjab Congress was divided into rival groups. He maintained that leaders across the organisation were working together with the common objective of strengthening the party and preparing for upcoming political battles.

The statement assumes significance as reports of differences between Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring and former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi have dominated political discussions in recent weeks. While the party has not officially acknowledged any rift, repeated speculation has fuelled questions over its internal cohesion.

During his visit, Baghel also met several MLAs considered close to Channi. According to political sources, the meetings were part of an effort to improve coordination within the state unit and bridge perceived differences between senior leaders. Party insiders indicated that the leadership is keen to project a united front as organisational activities gather pace.

Baghel, however, insisted that there was no factionalism in the Punjab Congress and dismissed reports suggesting otherwise. He said the focus remained on organisational strengthening rather than internal disputes, signalling that the leadership does not want political messaging to be overshadowed by speculation over camp politics.

The meetings come at a politically sensitive time for the Congress in Punjab. After losing power in the 2022 Assembly elections, the party has been attempting to rebuild its grassroots organisation while positioning itself as a principal challenger to the ruling Aam Aadmi Party and the BJP in the state.

Senior Congress leaders have repeatedly stressed the need for collective leadership and stronger coordination at the district level. The latest outreach by the party's state in-charge is being viewed as part of that broader organisational exercise.

Political observers note that leadership consultations with MLAs and district leaders have become more frequent in recent months as the Congress seeks to avoid public disagreements that could weaken its electoral prospects. Meetings involving different groups within the party are often seen as efforts to maintain communication and organisational balance.

Although reports of internal differences continue to surface, the Congress leadership has consistently maintained that discussions among leaders are a normal part of party functioning and should not be interpreted as signs of division.

Baghel's assertion of unity is expected to reassure party workers, particularly at a time when the Congress is trying to consolidate its organisational structure across Punjab. Whether these efforts succeed in ending speculation over internal rivalries will likely become clearer in the coming weeks as the party intensifies its political outreach.

For now, the official position remains unchanged: the Punjab Congress leadership says it is united, focused on strengthening the organisation and preparing collectively for future electoral challenges.

A political confrontation has intensified in Chhattisgarh over the demolition drive in Nakti village, with the state government and the opposition Congress presenting conflicting accounts of the action carried out on June 29.

Defending the government's move, Forest Minister Kedar Kashyap said the administration had removed encroachments only from one ward of Nakti village and not from the entire settlement, rejecting allegations that the whole village had been demolished.

According to the minister, Nakti village comprises 17 wards, and the anti-encroachment drive was confined to a single ward where government revenue land had allegedly been occupied. He added that the affected families had already been rehabilitated and provided housing in Nava Raipur.

Government Defends Action

Kashyap said the land in question continues to belong to the Revenue Department and that the process for allocating around 15.47 hectares of land for a housing project had begun during the previous Congress government in 2020.

He stated that the Chhattisgarh Housing Board had submitted a proposal to the district administration in 2020, followed by revenue surveys and administrative procedures in 2021. During this period, encroachments allegedly expanded from nearly three hectares to around 15 hectares, prompting the administration to initiate legal action.

The minister also claimed that district officials held multiple rounds of discussions with local representatives and affected families before the demolition and ensured rehabilitation by allotting houses in Nava Raipur.

Congress Rejects Government's Claims

Former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel accused the BJP government of misleading the public over the Nakti demolition.

He alleged that the government was making contradictory statements and claimed that official records contradict the current stand taken by ministers.

Baghel referred to discussions held in the state Assembly, saying Revenue Minister OP Choudhary had previously acknowledged the Nakti land issue. He further claimed that the then CEO of the Nava Raipur Development Authority (NRDA), Ankit Anand, had directed the district administration regarding the removal of encroachments.

"The BJP teaches its leaders to lie while looking people in the eye," Baghel alleged while accusing the government of suppressing facts.

Questions Over Proposed Land Use

Former minister Mohammad Akbar also questioned the government's position, alleging inconsistencies regarding the future use of the land.

He claimed that while Housing Board Chairman Anurag Singh Deo recently denied any proposal for an MLA-MP residential colony, an official communication issued by the Housing and Environment Department in October 2024 had directed the district administration to free nearly 72 acres of land for the proposed project.

Akbar questioned whether such correspondence could have been issued without ministerial approval and alleged that the government was issuing conflicting statements to conceal its decisions.

Background of the Demolition

The demolition drive was carried out on June 29, during which around 80 houses were demolished in Nakti village.

The Housing Board has claimed that 77 individuals had encroached upon nearly 15 hectares of government land. While the administration says affected families have been allotted EWS houses in Nava Raipur, several displaced residents have alleged that not every family has received alternative accommodation.

The issue continues to trigger political debate, with the Congress staging protests and demanding greater transparency over the demolition and future use of the land.

The legal troubles of two Chhattisgarh-based YouTubers, Sagar Sahu and Pushpraj Singh, have deepened after police registered a second First Information Report (FIR) against them on allegations of blackmail and extortion. The case stems from a complaint filed by a woman who alleged that the duo demanded money to remove defamatory videos uploaded on social media.

The accused are already lodged in jail in connection with an earlier case linked to the circulation of an alleged fake Instagram chat purportedly involving former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel.

According to police, the latest FIR was registered at Purani Bhilai Police Station following a complaint by Neha Mishra, a resident of Umda village who has been operating a Customer Service Centre (CSC) for the past five years.

In her complaint, Mishra alleged that the two YouTubers had visited her centre under the pretext of getting an Aadhaar card photocopied. She claimed that during the visit, they recorded conversations and later edited the footage in a misleading manner before publishing it on social media.

The videos allegedly accused her of defrauding customers by using their thumb impressions to withdraw money from their bank accounts. Mishra has denied the allegations, claiming that the content was distorted and presented out of context.

The complainant further alleged that on June 3, the accused demanded ₹50,000 in exchange for deleting the videos. Fearing damage to her reputation, she claimed to have paid ₹35,000 from her personal savings. According to her statement, the videos were removed after the payment was made.

However, Mishra alleged that the matter did not end there. She claimed the accused later demanded an additional ₹2 lakh, threatening to upload fresh videos and continue defaming her if the money was not paid.

She further alleged that after she refused to meet the fresh demand, the accused uploaded more than three additional videos targeting her. The repeated circulation of the content, she said, severely affected her social reputation and made it difficult for her to continue operating her customer service centre.

Based on the complaint and preliminary verification, Purani Bhilai police registered a case against Sagar Sahu and Pushpraj Singh under Section 308(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Police officials said the investigation is currently underway and further legal action will be taken based on the evidence collected.

This is the second criminal case registered against the duo within a short span. Around nine days earlier, another FIR was filed over the circulation of a purported Instagram chat allegedly involving former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel and Saurabh Chandrakar, who has been identified by investigative agencies as a key accused in the Mahadev betting app case.

The viral screenshot claimed to show a message sent from an account bearing Bhupesh Baghel's name stating, "Send your number, want to talk." The screenshot was widely circulated on social media and featured in content published by the two YouTubers.

Following the controversy, Congress workers staged protests at Bhilai-3 Police Station, demanding action against those responsible for spreading what they described as fabricated content.

Bhupesh Baghel had categorically rejected the alleged chat as fake and accused unidentified persons of attempting to tarnish his public image. He had also announced that his legal team would initiate appropriate legal proceedings against those involved in creating and circulating the content.

With two FIRs now registered against the accused, police are examining both cases independently while continuing to gather documentary and digital evidence as part of the ongoing investigation.

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.