A political and administrative tussle over the leadership of the Chhattisgarh State Council for Bharat Scouts and Guides (BSG) has now reached the doors of the judiciary. Bharatiya Janata Party Lok Sabha MP Brijmohan Agrawal has filed a petition in the Chhattisgarh High Court, challenging his removal from the post of working president as illegal.
The Genesis of the Dispute
The conflict began on December 13, when the state's School Education Department issued a press note. It nominated the state's Education Minister and fellow BJP leader, Gajendra Yadav, as the ex officio president of the council. This move effectively sidelined MP Agrawal, who had been serving as the working president.
The situation intensified with a decision concerning a major upcoming event. The venue for the 'First National Rover-Ranger Jamboree' was shifted from New Raipur to Balod district. This national event, held under the aegis of the BSG headquarters in New Delhi, is scheduled to run from January 9 to 13. It is a landmark gathering, being held for the first time in India, and will see participation from 15,000 Rovers, Rangers, and Senior Scouts-Guides from across the country and abroad, including 4,252 from Chhattisgarh.
Allegations and Legal Challenge
On January 5, Agrawal, still identifying himself as the working president, issued a statement declaring the postponement of the four-day jamboree. He cited several reasons for this drastic step. These included the change of venue by the Education Department without the state council's consent, the allocation of Rs 10 crore for the event being transferred to the Balod District Education Officer instead of the BSG's official account, alleged discrepancies in the tender process, and a perceived challenge to the institutional autonomy of the BSG.
Agrawal formally approached the High Court on January 7. His petition, filed through counsel Kishor Bhaduri, alleges that he and all other office bearers were removed from their posts without any prior information. It argues that a duly elected president holds the position for a five-year term, and such a removal sets a dangerous precedent. "The action of the state is alleged to be illegal," stated Bhaduri. Sources close to the MP indicated he would boycott the inaugural event due to the fallout.
Political Reactions and Denials
The public spat between two senior BJP figures has provided ammunition to the opposition Congress. State Congress general secretary Subodh Haridwal pointed to the confusion surrounding the jamboree and accused the ruling party of infighting. He also raised allegations of corruption in the tender process for the event.
Education Minister Gajendra Yadav dismissed these claims. In a sharp retort, he said, "Because having different groups works in the Congress family, they think the BJP is like them." He denied any internal conflict and refuted the corruption allegations, stating that all procurement was done through the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) portal. Yadav did not respond to requests for comment on the specific details of Agrawal's court petition. The event is set to be attended by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, Assembly Speaker Raman Singh, and other ministers.
The backdrop of this clash includes Agrawal's own political trajectory. A nine-time MLA, he served as Education Minister in 2023 but vacated the post after winning a Lok Sabha seat in 2024. The High Court's intervention is now awaited to resolve this dispute that has cast a shadow over a significant national youth event.
