Chhattisgarh Assembly Witnesses Theatrical Exchange of Satirical Folk Songs
In a vibrant prelude to the Holi festival, the Chhattisgarh assembly in Raipur was filled with color not from traditional gulal but from a burst of folk satire, turning the legislative atmosphere briefly theatrical. This unique political performance unfolded on Thursday, blending cultural irreverence with sharp assembly politics.
Baghel's Satirical Phag Song Targets Government Over Paddy Issue
Former chief minister Bhupesh Baghel initiated the satirical exchange by striking the first note of a traditional Phag song. He broke into a Chhattisgarhi verse that mocked the Vishnu Deo Sai-led BJP government regarding the Kabirdham paddy controversy, where grain reportedly worth crores was damaged by rats. His lyrics, "Vishnu, de de bullava muswa ko… muswa bin ghotala na hoye…", loosely implied that "without a rat, there can be no scam." This cultural jab was wrapped around issues of paddy storage and procurement, highlighting the opposition's concerns.
BJP's Swift Retort with Counter-Satire
The BJP did not let the tune linger unanswered. State spokesperson Amit Chimanani fired back with his own Phag-style verse, matching tone with tone. In his counter-song, he flipped the metaphor to target the Congress, suggesting that the "rats" were already caught, with some jailed and others out on bail, in reference to liquor and coal scams that the ruling party continues to wield as a political refrain. This exchange underscored the ongoing political tensions in the state.
Context of Noisy Protest Over Paddy Procurement
This theatrical moment occurred soon after the zero hour, when the opposition mounted a noisy protest over paddy procurement and pending payments. The assembly session was marked by heightened emotions, with the folk satire serving as a creative outlet for political criticism. The incident reflects how traditional cultural elements are being leveraged in modern political discourse to convey messages in a memorable and impactful manner.
The blend of Holi's folk irreverence with assembly politics not only entertained but also highlighted deeper issues of governance and accountability. As Chhattisgarh prepares for the festival of colors, this episode adds a unique chapter to its political narrative, demonstrating the power of satire in public debate.
