A significant uproar occurred in the Chhattisgarh Assembly today as members discussed the issue of illegal sand mining and the violence inflicted by sand mafias. The opposition sought a debate on the matter through an adjournment motion, but Speaker Dr. Raman Singh declined the request. Consequently, the Congress legislators expressed their discontent by walking out of the House.
During the zero hour, several Congress leaders, including Leader of the Opposition Dr. Charandas Mahant, Bhupesh Baghel, Dwarkadhish Yadav, and Umesh Patel, initiated an adjournment motion. They claimed that the sand mafia, protected by the government, is conducting illegal mining throughout the state. They also alleged that the mafia members assault villagers who try to intervene, and in some cases, resort to firing. Despite filing complaints with the police, no action has been taken against them due to the alleged support they receive from those in power. The opposition highlighted that this situation is creating a lawless environment in Chhattisgarh, resembling the conditions in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, and therefore, the issue demands immediate attention. The Speaker, after listening to the opposition, rejected the motion, citing that the matter had already been addressed in a ‘Dhyanakarshan’ notice, precluding further discussion in the House. The opposition, dissatisfied with the Speaker’s ruling, protested and walked out of the House to express their displeasure.