Chhattisgarh Assembly Sees Major Uproar Over Tribal Schoolgirl Pregnancy Allegations
The Chhattisgarh legislative assembly descended into chaos on Monday as the opposition Congress party triggered a significant uproar by moving an adjournment motion concerning the alleged pregnancy of three minor tribal schoolgirls in Bijapur district. The political storm led to a dramatic walkout by opposition members after the chair disallowed their motion for immediate discussion.
Congress Alleges Government Hostel Involvement
Congress legislators raised the matter during Zero Hour, demanding suspension of regular business to address what they termed a grave concern involving the safety of tribal girls in a sensitive scheduled area. The opposition claimed the girls were residents of a government-run portacabin hostel, a residential facility for students.
"This is a serious failure of protection in government-run residential institutions," declared former chief minister Bhupesh Baghel, who asserted that incidents involving minor tribal girls in Bastar region have been surfacing for years without effective action against perpetrators.
Government Firmly Rejects Allegations
School Education Minister Gajendra Yadav delivered a forceful rebuttal in the House, categorically stating that the girls were neither studying nor residing in the portacabin hostel. He dismissed the allegations as completely baseless and emphasized that no accused person was being shielded from legal consequences.
The minister's response came amid Congress claims that the government was attempting to downplay the serious matter and that no accountability had been established despite the serious nature of the allegations.
Specific Details Emerge Amid Political Confrontation
Congress MLA Vikram Mandavi provided specific details about the students, revealing that one girl was in Class 11 while two others were Class 12 students. He questioned why no concrete action had been initiated despite the seriousness of the situation.
The notice for adjournment motion contained explosive allegations that after the pregnancies came to light, the girls were sent home and records were allegedly manipulated to show them as absent from the hostel rather than initiating criminal proceedings against those responsible.
Walkout After Motion Disallowed
The political confrontation reached its climax when the assembly chair disallowed the adjournment motion, prompting opposition members to stage a coordinated walkout from the House. This dramatic exit underscored the deepening political divide over how to address sensitive issues concerning tribal communities in the state.
The incident has sparked renewed debate about safety mechanisms in government-run residential institutions, particularly in tribal areas, with opposition leaders demanding immediate investigation and accountability while the ruling government maintains its position that the allegations lack factual basis.
