The BJP created an uproar on Wednesday as the Chhattisgarh Assembly met for the monsoon session, seeking a statement from Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel regarding the issue of Minister T.S. Singh Deo, who gave up Panchayat portfolio. The issue lead to adjournment of House for the day.
The BJP members raised the issue of the Panchayat and Rural Development Minister’s letter to the Chief Minister relinquishing his portfolio and publicly raising several issues on issues of governance.
BJP's Ajay Chandrakar and Brijmohan Agrawal raised the issue. Generally, the Chief Minister change the portfolio of a Minister or drops him from cabinet, they said.
Agrawal said the state cabinet has lost its face value as its own Minister has made serious allegations. Either the Speaker should come up with a ruling or the Chief Minister should issue a statement clarifying the status quo.
Leader of Opposition Dharamlal Kaushik said the letter cites different allegations against the functioning of the government and failures in implementing centrally funded schemes.
Ruling party MLAs asked how such an issue can be discussed in the House.
The opposition leaders said it was a violation of the oath of secrecy of office taken by the Minister or by the Chief Minister Office for leaking the letter to the media.
The Speaker announced the absence of Panchayat and Rural Development Minister T.S. Singh Deo for two days. His department's questions will be answered by Forest Minister Mohammed Akbar.
As the ruckus continued, the Speaker adjourned the House for 10 minutes. As the situation continued after the House again met, the Speaker adjourned it for the day.