Chhattisgarh Assembly Sees Stormy Confrontation Over LPG Cylinder Shortage
The Chhattisgarh assembly witnessed a tumultuous session on Thursday, as a fierce debate over LPG cylinder shortages and escalating prices sparked a major political confrontation. The opposition Congress party accused the state government of neglecting public distress, leading to dramatic protests and the eventual suspension of MLAs.
Opposition Raises Alarm Over Cooking Gas Crisis
During the budget session, Leader of Opposition Charandas Mahant highlighted the severe cooking gas crisis affecting the state. He asserted that over 36 lakh people, including hotel operators and households, are struggling to access cylinders. Mahant emphasized that the issue impacts daily life and small businesses, warranting an immediate discussion via an adjournment motion.
He criticized the government for failing to fulfill earlier assurances from the chief minister that Chhattisgarh would not face shortages, noting that price hikes have compounded the burden on consumers already dealing with inflation.
Government Counters, Citing Jurisdictional Limits
Senior BJP MLA Ajay Chandrakar interrupted Mahant, arguing that LPG supply and pricing fall under the Union government's jurisdiction, making it outside the state assembly's scope. This stance set the stage for a heated exchange, with the treasury benches insisting the matter was not within their purview.
Former CM Baghel Supports Demand, Links to Global Conflicts
Former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel backed Mahant's call for discussion. While acknowledging that LPG supply is not a direct state subject, he pointed out that issues like black-marketing and hoarding are the state government's responsibility. Baghel connected the local crisis to broader global events, mentioning that the ongoing conflicts involving the US, Israel, and Iran have disrupted supplies nationwide.
He reported that commercial gas cylinder deliveries have been severely affected, leading to nearly 50% of hotels in major cities shutting down. Even in Chhattisgarh, hotels and restaurants are facing operational challenges due to supply disruptions.
Adjournment Motion Rejected, Protests Erupt
Baghel urged the Chair to accept the adjournment motion for public interest, demanding transparency on available LPG stocks and measures to ensure smooth supply. However, the Chair rejected the motion, citing its relation to central government matters. This decision triggered loud protests from opposition members, who moved into the well of the House, raising slogans against the government.
Suspension and Revocation of Congress MLAs
As disruptions escalated, the Chair announced the suspension of 30 Congress MLAs for entering the well. The suspension was later revoked shortly after, but the incident underscored the intense political friction over the issue.
Awkward Moment for Ruling Party
The session also featured an awkward moment for the ruling BJP when MLA Lata Usendi questioned her own government over non-payment of dues for health department programmes. Minister Shyam Bihari Jaiswal responded that payments would be processed after document verification. Congress MLA Kawasi Lakhma seized the opportunity to remark that if even a ruling party MLA's concerns are ignored, the opposition stands little chance of being heard.
The assembly session highlighted deep divisions over handling the LPG crisis, with political maneuvers taking center stage amid growing public anxiety over essential commodity shortages.
