Thethinkmedia@raipur
Shalini Raina Proposal Rejected: Signals from Aranya Bhavan
The corridors of Aranya Bhavan are abuzz with intense lobbying over key positions. Forest Force chief V. Srinivas Rao has long faced criticism over his functioning. During the previous Congress government, BJP legislators repeatedly raised questions in the Assembly, and even now under the Vishnu Deo Sai government, the spotlight on him has hardly dimmed.
One of the major controversies revolves around the long-pending recruitment of forest guards, which was meant to provide jobs to thousands of youth in the state. The process, however, has yet to see completion, and allegations of procedural violations have continued to haunt the department. Many job aspirants are still waiting, while the issue remains politically sensitive.
Amid this backdrop, Rao reportedly tried a strategic move. In an attempt to weaken the influence of PCCF (Wildlife) Arun Pandey, he proposed assigning budget responsibilities to APCCF Shalini Raina, the wife of IPS officer Anand Chhabra. The proposal, however, did not receive government approval. While the immediate political message remains open to interpretation, one thing appears increasingly clear—the government may have quietly begun the search for a new head of the forest department.
Mahant’s Political Chemistry
Congress veteran and Leader of Opposition Dr. Charandas Mahant is known for maintaining cordial relations across party lines. During the ongoing budget session of the Assembly, his rapport with BJP MLA Dharamlal Kaushik, who has been presiding over the House in the absence of Speaker Dr. Raman Singh, became a talking point.
At one point in the session, Mahant humorously remarked that whenever Kaushik entered the House, he never seemed to look toward the opposition benches. Kaushik responded instantly, insisting that he always greeted Mahant respectfully while entering. BJP MLA Ajay Chandrakar added a lighter note, pointing out that both Mahant and Kaushik were even wearing matching outfits that day—yet Mahant still felt ignored.
Mahant brushed it off by saying they had always shared a friendly rapport. Whether the exchange was mere humour or subtle political messaging, it once again highlighted Mahant’s ability to maintain personal chemistry with many BJP leaders despite political rivalry.
Bhupesh Baghel Back in Attack Mode?
Interestingly, during this budget session, former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel has appeared more active in the Assembly than even the Leader of Opposition himself. Some ruling party legislators were heard joking that Baghel had “hijacked” the role of the opposition leader.
Baghel’s confidence has been evident not only in targeting the government but also in challenging the media. Referring to recent police crackdowns on illegal opium cultivation in several districts—where the name of a BJP leader reportedly surfaced—Baghel questioned why the media was reluctant to report which political figure the accused was close to.
He reminded journalists that during his tenure as Chief Minister, news linking individuals to him regularly made headlines. “Why is that courage missing now?” he asked. As always, Baghel’s remarks carried layered political messaging, suggesting that he may be preparing to return to a more aggressive style of politics.
Jamboree Controversy and Questions over GeM Portal
A recent jamboree organised in the state has triggered political ripples in the Assembly. What made the matter more significant was the statement by School Education Minister Gajendra Yadav that the event’s tender was issued through the government’s GeM (Government e-Marketplace) portal.
The GeM portal is widely believed to be a transparent procurement platform where the scope for corruption is minimal. Yet, reports about irregularities in the jamboree’s arrangements and claims that work began even before the tender process was formally completed have raised eyebrows.
If such allegations prove correct, they could challenge the very perception that the GeM portal is immune to manipulation. For now, the matter remains one for investigation, but the controversy has undoubtedly cast a shadow over the system’s credibility.
Law on Religious Conversion
The Chhattisgarh Assembly’s budget session is likely to conclude on March 18, and the government may introduce a bill addressing religious conversion on the final day. The draft has already reportedly received cabinet approval.
Religious conversion has increasingly become a politically charged issue in the state, with demands for stricter legal provisions. The proposed bill is said to include stringent punishments aimed at curbing forced or unlawful conversions. If introduced, it could become one of the most significant legislative developments of the session.
Minister and Rs 15 Lakh Dispute
Tourism Minister Rajesh Agrawal has rarely been accused of withholding payments. In fact, political circles often joked about his generosity in supporting cultural events.
Yet a controversy has now surfaced after a religious storyteller alleged that he had not been paid Rs 15 lakh for conducting a recital of the Shrimad Bhagwat. The storyteller has even threatened self-immolation if the payment is not made.
Agrawal has rejected the allegation, clarifying that the storyteller had sought a grant of Rs 15 lakh from the Culture Department, but there is no official provision for such funding. Whether the claim holds truth remains to be seen, but the episode has certainly stirred political gossip. Interestingly, those familiar with political chatter often associate Agrawal with the “lucky numbers” 15 and 25—making the current dispute over Rs 15 lakh all the more ironic.
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