Congress Critiques Law and Order Situation in BJP-led Chhattisgarh

The opposition Congress has criticised the seven-month-old BJP government in Chhattisgarh, alleging a collapse in law and order and a rise in crime rates. Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma, who oversees the home portfolio, refuted these claims, stating that crime incidents have decreased over the past seven months and emphasised the government's commitment to good governance.

Crime Statistics and Allegations

During the Zero Hour, senior Congress MLA Bhupesh Baghel raised concerns about law and order by moving an adjournment motion notice. Assembly Speaker Raman Singh permitted a discussion on the motion's admissibility. Congress MLAs, including Leader of Opposition Charan Das Mahant, claimed that since the BJP took power in December, the state's law and order situation has worsened.

The Congress members presented alarming crime statistics: 562 murders, 859 sexual exploitation cases, 29 dacoities, 215 robberies, 1,576 rapes, 713 instances of ganja smuggling, and numerous cyber crimes reported in the last six months. They argued that serious crimes like murder, stabbing, rape, robbery, fraud, and smuggling have become routine occurrences.

Specific Incidents Highlighted

The opposition highlighted specific incidents to support their claims. They mentioned three minority community members killed by a mob in Arang Raipur district. They also pointed out that Kabirdham, the Home Minister's native district, recorded the highest number of offences, including murders. Additionally, they alleged that Raipur has become a hub for drug smuggling.

The Congress legislators cited an incident of violence in Balodabazar on June 10 during a demonstration as an example of law and order failure not just in Chhattisgarh but across the country. They also claimed that businessmen in Raipur are forced to pay protection money to gangsters within and outside the state to operate their businesses.

Government's Response

In response to these allegations, Deputy CM Sharma provided statistics on crimes such as murder and rape during the previous Congress government from 2018-23. He argued that crime rates have actually declined under the current BJP administration. Sharma assured that investigations into significant cases like the coal scam are being conducted meticulously.

To address illegal levy collection on coal transportation under Congress rule, Sharma stated that the Vishnu Deo Sai government had scrapped the offline process introduced by the previous administration. He also mentioned that an investigation is ongoing into the Balodabazar violence incident.

After Sharma's reply, Speaker Raman Singh rejected the adjournment motion notice. Dissatisfied with the government's response, Congress members staged a walkout from the assembly.

The opposition's claims and government's rebuttal highlight ongoing tensions regarding law and order in Chhattisgarh. The debate underscores differing perspectives on crime management between the ruling BJP and opposition Congress parties.