Chhattisgarh Assembly Sees Opposition Walkout Over Scouts Jamboree Tender Controversy
The Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly witnessed significant turmoil on Wednesday as Opposition members staged a dramatic walkout. This protest was triggered by allegations of irregularities in the tendering and decision-making process for the Bharat Scouts and Guides Jamboree held in Balod. The walkout occurred after the Opposition accused School Education Minister Gajendra Yadav of providing evasive and unsatisfactory replies regarding the timeline and procedures behind the event's organization.
Congress MLA Raises Critical Questions During Question Hour
The issue was brought to the forefront during the assembly's question hour by Congress MLA Raghvendra Singh. He specifically sought detailed clarifications on two key matters. First, he inquired about the rule changes that led to the school education minister becoming the ex-officio president of the Bharat Scouts and Guides in the state. Second, he questioned the sequence of decisions related to organizing the jamboree, demanding transparency in the process.
Before addressing these queries, Minister Gajendra Yadav recited a poem, suggesting that repeated questions were being posed despite his "innocence". This poetic interlude drew immediate attention and sparked protests from the Opposition benches, setting a tense atmosphere for the subsequent exchange.
Minister's Explanation on Presidential Appointment History
In his response, Minister Yadav provided a historical overview of the presidential appointment process for the Bharat Scouts and Guides in Chhattisgarh. He explained that after the formation of the state, it was decided that the scouts and guides would function as an independent body with an elected president. The first school education minister, Satyanarayan Sharma, became the elected president following approval under this arrangement, a practice that continued during the Raman Singh government as well.
Yadav further stated that the system was altered during the Bhupesh Baghel government. A proposal was passed making the school education minister the ex-officio president instead of conducting elections, while the state chief commissioner would be appointed by the Chief Minister. He noted that the Bharat Scouts and Guides incorporated a separate provision to formalize this change.
Allegations of Timeline Discrepancies in Tender Process
MLA Raghvendra Singh presented a critical timeline discrepancy to the House. He pointed out that Minister Yadav was nominated as president on December 13, 2025, while the first tender for the jamboree was floated on December 10, 2025—three days prior to his appointment. Singh demanded to know which committee made the decision on the event before Yadav's nomination and who chaired that body, raising suspicions of procedural irregularities.
In reply, Yadav asserted that the site selection and preparatory process had begun earlier through meetings. He mentioned that functionaries from the national headquarters inspected both Nava Raipur and Balod before ultimately choosing Balod as the venue. Yadav emphasized that this process was completed before he assumed the presidency, attempting to clarify the timeline.
Opposition Dissatisfaction Leads to Walkout
The Opposition remained unconvinced by the minister's explanations. Singh highlighted that the first tender issued on December 10 was cancelled, and a fresh tender was floated, scheduled to be opened on January 4, 2026. This revelation added to the concerns about transparency and potential mismanagement.
Leader of Opposition Charandas Mahant intervened, stating that even when the matter was previously discussed, no clear answers were provided. He accused Minister Yadav of once again misleading the House with evasive responses. Following this exchange, and expressing frustration over the lack of satisfactory clarification, opposition members collectively staged a walkout, disrupting the assembly proceedings.
This incident underscores ongoing tensions in the Chhattisgarh assembly regarding governance and accountability, particularly in matters involving public funds and organizational decisions. The walkout reflects the Opposition's determination to seek answers on alleged irregularities in the Bharat Scouts and Guides Jamboree, a significant event that involves substantial resources and planning.
