Congress targets BJP over tribal rights, mining, jobs and law and order in Chhattisgarh
The Congress on Sunday accused the BJP government in Chhattisgarh of failing to protect tribal rights, address unemployment, ensure development in mining-affected areas and maintain law and order.
Addressing a press conference, newly appointed All India Congress Committee in-charge of Chhattisgarh Sukhdeo Bhagat alleged that forests were being cleared for mining projects in several areas, including Hasdeo Aranya, while the rights and consent of Gram Sabhas were being disregarded.
"Chhattisgarh is not merely a mineral warehouse. It is home to tribal communities, their culture and livelihoods," Bhagat said, questioning whether local communities were receiving an adequate share of the benefits generated from the state's mineral resources.
He alleged that District Mineral Foundation funds were not being properly utilised in mining-affected villages and demanded that details of expenditure and pending development works in such areas be made public.
Bhagat also questioned the implementation of the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, or PESA, and the Forest Rights Act, and sought details of pending and rejected forest rights claims.
On Bastar, he asked whether development accompanying security operations was reaching people through schools, healthcare facilities and employment. He also demanded an impartial inquiry into allegations of fake encounters and harassment of villagers.
The Congress leader attacked the government over unemployment, alleging that recruitments had been stalled and examinations postponed, leaving young people uncertain about government job opportunities.
He demanded that the government publish details of vacant posts and a recruitment calendar.
Citing the latest annual Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) report, Bhagat said the unemployment rate among people aged 15-29 in Chhattisgarh was 6.1 per cent in 2025, based on usual status.
He also accused the BJP government of failing to fulfil election promises relating to jobs, farmers and allowances, and sought a public "report card" on commitments made under the BJP campaign and "Modi's Guarantee".
On electoral rolls, Bhagat demanded constituency-wise details of names removed during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), including the social categories of those affected.
He said the final electoral roll published in February 2026 had 1,87,30,914 electors, compared with 2,12,30,737 in the pre-draft roll.
Bhagat further accused the state government of failing to maintain law and order and alleged corruption and illegal sand mining in different parts of Chhattisgarh.
He said the Congress would also raise issues concerning farmers, inflation, electricity supply and implementation of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), including action taken by the government on CAG findings.
State Congress president Deepak Baij, who was also present, said strengthening the party organisation up to the booth level, mobilising youth and women and improving coordination among senior leaders would be key priorities.
"The Congress will fight for people's rights from the assembly to every district," Bhagat said, announcing public outreach and mobilisation programmes on the issues raised by the party.
The Congress leaders said the campaign would also form part of the party's preparations for the 2028 assembly elections.
