Chhattisgarh Assembly Session Disrupts Over PM Housing Scheme Debate

Raipur: The ninth day of the Chhattisgarh Assembly Budget Session was marked by a walkout by opposition members following a heated debate over the implementation status of the Prime Minister's Housing Scheme (PM Awas Yojana).

The controversy erupted after former Chief Minister and Congress MLA Bhupesh Baghel accused the current government of neglecting the housing needs of eligible beneficiaries.

Baghel argued that the number of houses constructed under the Sai government was insufficient, citing discrepancies in figures presented by the ruling party. He also alleged the contribution of the previous government has been ignored and suppressed by the ruling government.

During Question Hour, Panchayat Minister Vijay Sharma stated that under the Narendra Modi government, 32.5 lakh houses were approved, with Chhattisgarh receiving 6 lakh. He maintained that the poor have benefitted from housing under the Vishnu Deo Sai government.

Baghel challenged Sharma's response, accusing him of delivering a speech instead of providing clear answers to specific questions. He questioned the government's claims of constructing 18 lakh houses under the scheme, pointing to a target of 23.26 lakh houses and conflicting figures regarding sanctioned and completed units. Baghel specifically demanded clarification on whether 11 lakh houses had actually been built.

The exchange escalated into a strong confrontation and chaos in the House. Dissatisfied with the Minister's explanations, Baghel and other Congress members staged a walkout.

Following the uproar, Assembly Speaker Dr. Raman Singh announced the end of Question Hour, further solidifying the opposition's departure. The status of the PM Awas Yojana is likely to remain a point of contention between the opposition and the ruling party in the coming days.