BJP corners Govt over food grain scheme

 

 

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLAs launched a scathing attack on the Congress Government over alleged irregularities in the Central Government’s food grain scheme. MLA Saurabh Singh led the charge, questioning Food Minister Amarjeet Bhagat on the purported mismanagement of centrally-allotted rice. In response to the barrage of questions, Food Minister Amarjeet Bhagat vehemently refuted the allegations, stating that a central government team had investigated the matter and found the complaints baseless. He further claimed that former Chief Minister Dr Raman Singh had written letters to the Centre in an attempt to defame the government, which further escalated tensions in the House.

 

The BJP MLAs were dissatisfied with the Food Minister’s response and staged a walkout in protest, leaving the House amid the ongoing debate. In the absence of Dr Raman Singh, BJP MLA Dr Saurabh Singh raised the questions previously listed by the former Chief Minister during the Question Hour. Minister Bhagat informed the House that after verifying the remaining stock at fair price shops for September 2022, action had been assured against those responsible for any irregularities in the stock distribution. In some cases, officials were held accountable and made to compensate for the missing stock. The Food Minister also disclosed that 34 petitions had been filed in the Bilaspur High Court concerning the verification of budget stock at ration shops. The final court decision would determine the extent of irregularities in stock distribution and identify the guilty parties.

 

Despite the Minister’s explanation, BJP member Dr Saurabh Singh sought more information about the actions taken against those involved in the alleged scam. He specifically questioned the online permissions granted for additional allotments and demanded detailed information on the actions taken throughout the entire matter. Leader of the Opposition, Narayan Chandel, joined the chorus, alleging a staggering ration scam worth around 5 thousand crores. He sought clarity on the actions taken in response to this grave accusation. Unsatisfied with the Food Minister’s responses, opposition members walked out of the House, raising slogans to express their dissatisfaction.