Congress raises graft issue, disrupts Chhattisgarh Guv speech

The Budget session of Chhattisgarh Assembly today began on a stormy note with the Opposition members disrupting the Governor's speech over alleged corruption in government departments and "irregularities" in procurement of paddy.
As Governor Balramji Das Tandon delivered his customary address to the Assembly on first day of the session, Congress MLAs raised the issue of alleged corruption in public health engineering (PHE) and civil supply departments. The Governor completed his speech amid interruptions.
In his address, the Governor lauded security forces for their fight against Naxalism and said the rise in number of surrendered Maoists is a good sign for the state.

"Security forces have played a crucial role in ensuring participation of people in overall development of the state. With the new strategy and new energy, the menace of Naxalism is being fought. Consistent increase in the number of Naxals who have surrendered is a good sign," he said.
"My Government is making serious efforts to ensure security to people and to maintain law and order. Capabilities of police force are being enhanced by boosting their strength, facilities and skills," the Governor added.
"A women helpline number - 1091 has been started while women police stations have been established in four districts. Besides, women desk has been set up in every police station. Chhattisgarh is racing on the path of development and there will be prosperity for everybody," he said.

In his 19-page speech, Das elaborated on welfare and development measures launched by the BJP Government.

"The Government has been spreading awareness regarding 'Swachh Bharat Abhiyan'. Construction of toilets has been speeded up. The target is to construct 2.68 lakh toilets in the current year. The state has taken-up 'Har Ghar Souchalaya- Har Ghar Nal' on a mission mode," he said.
Congress's Satyanarayan Sharma tried to interrupt the Governor's address by raising the issue of "non-payment" of wages to labourers under MGNREGA at several places and recovery of unaccounted cash from PHE officials in ACB raids.
State Congress chief Bhupesh Baghel joined him and mentioned about recovery of cash running into crores during recent raids by ACB at offices of Civil Supply Corporation.

He asked the Government to reveal the names of political beneficiaries of "corruption" in the Civil Supply Department.
Congress alleged that farmers had to suffer due to "irregularities" in procurement of paddy.
Soon after Das ended his speech, Speaker Gaurishankar Agrawal said discussion on the Governor's address will be held on March 11-12 and adjourned the House till tomorrow.