The Chhattisgarh Assembly was adjourned for the day on Monday after noisy scenes erupted over the Congress’ demand for a discussion on allegations of theft of donations made to the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. The confrontation between the opposition and the ruling BJP disrupted proceedings throughout the day, forcing Speaker Raman Singh to suspend the House until Tuesday. The Monsoon Session of the Assembly began on Monday, but proceedings were disrupted during Zero Hour when Leader of the Opposition Charan Das Mahant sought to raise the issue through an adjournment motion. He alleged that the faith of crores of devotees had been betrayed and said people had donated their hard-earned money for the construction of the Ram Mandir, only to have their trust violated by the alleged theft of donations. Senior BJP MLA Ajay Chandrakar objected to the issue being discussed in the Chhattisgarh Assembly, arguing that while it was a matter of faith, it did not fall within the jurisdiction of the state legislature. Congress legislators countered that people from Chhattisgarh had also contributed to the temple, making it a matter of public concern for the State. Mahant also reminded the treasury benches that the Assembly had passed a resolution in 2024 expressing gratitude over the consecration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, arguing that the subject had previously been discussed in the House. The exchange intensified after former chief minister Bhupesh Baghel alleged that donations made by devotees had been looted. BJP members strongly objected to the remarks, leading to sloganeering by both sides. As BJP members asked whether former Chief Minister had donated to Ram Temple trust, Bhupesh Baghel said he is glad the question was asked, and replied that he donated Rs 1.21 lakh towards temple construction along with the cheque number and date.

 

Speaker Raman Singh informed the House that he had received notices from Congress members seeking a discussion but had rejected them because the matter did not directly relate to Chhattisgarh. Despite the ruling, Congress MLAs continued to press for a debate, prompting the Speaker to adjourn the House for five minutes. When proceedings resumed, opposition members again raised the issue and displayed posters alleging theft of donations meant for the Ram Mandir. BJP legislators maintained that the Speaker’s ruling should be respected, with Ajay Chandrakar stating that repeatedly raising the same issue amounted to disregarding the authority of the Chair. As the protests intensified, members from both sides exchanged slogans. Congress MLAs shouted “Stop pickpocketing,” while BJP legislators responded with chants of “Jai Shri Ram” and slogans asking the opposition to “go to Ayodhya to wash away your sins.” Amid the continuing uproar, the Speaker adjourned the House for the remainder of the day and scheduled the pending business for discussion on Tuesday. Speaking to reporters outside the Assembly after the adjournment, Charan Das Mahant described the developments as a dark day for millions of Ram devotees. He said the opposition had only sought a discussion on the alleged theft of temple donations but was not allowed to raise the matter in the House. Claiming that devotees from Chhattisgarh had also contributed to the temple, he demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation inquiry into the alleged donation theft.