Congress Stages Walkout in Chhattisgarh Assembly Over Illegal Colonies Dispute
Opposition Congress members staged a dramatic walkout from the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly in Raipur on Tuesday, expressing strong dissatisfaction with Revenue Minister Tank Ram Verma's response regarding illegal colonies and land plotting issues. The protest erupted during the Question Hour session, highlighting escalating tensions over land management in the state.
Question Hour Sparks Controversy Over Land Complaints
The issue came to the forefront when Congress MLA Ambika Markam sought detailed information about complaints received between 2024–25 and January 31, 2026, along with updates on verification of land records (khasras) and subsequent actions taken by authorities.
In his response, Revenue Minister Tank Ram Verma disclosed that only three complaints were reported in Dhamtari district and five in Kanker district during the specified period. He further informed the Assembly that out of 175 identified khasras, merely eight had been examined, while the remaining cases remained under ongoing inquiry.
Government Actions and Opposition Allegations
The minister revealed that the government had taken disciplinary measures against officials involved, including withholding increments of three patwaris (revenue officials) and issuing notices to several other officials. However, these actions failed to satisfy the opposition benches.
Former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel launched a sharp attack, alleging that the revenue department was actively encouraging illegal activities and that the department minister was providing protection to those involved in irregularities. The Congress opposition demanded a thorough investigation by the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) to uncover the full extent of the alleged malpractices.
Walkout Follows Minister's Refusal and Data Concerns
The situation escalated when Minister Verma refused to order an EOW inquiry and failed to provide comprehensive data that satisfied opposition concerns. Following this refusal and what they termed as inadequate information, Congress members collectively walked out of the Assembly in protest, disrupting the proceedings.
BJP Legislators Voice Additional Land Concerns
The controversy extended beyond party lines, with BJP legislators also expressing concerns about land-related irregularities. MLA Gomati Sai raised allegations about illegal transfer of tribal land to non-tribals in Jashpur district, while Bhawna Bohra highlighted similar concerns in Kabirdham district, indicating broader systemic issues in land administration across multiple regions of Chhattisgarh.
The Assembly session witnessed heated exchanges as both opposition and ruling party members engaged in debates over transparency in land records, effectiveness of government actions, and protection of tribal land rights. The walkout underscored deepening political divisions over land governance in the state, with implications for ongoing administrative reforms and public accountability measures.
