A heated debate has erupted in the Chhattisgarh Assembly over allegations of illegal sand mining. The opposition Congress party has directly accused the state government. The sand mafia's booming business is going on openly under the noses of the administration, while the government is playing the role of a silent spectator.
Congress leaders claim that illegal sand mining is going on in several districts including Rajnargaon and Mahasamund. Local influential political leaders are also involved in this process. According to the Congress, not only the environment but also the lives of ordinary people are being endangered by this illegal activity. They also alleged that those who speak out against this corruption are being intimidated and even attacked.
During a discussion in the assembly, Congress leader Deepak Baj said, "The violence of the sand mafia is going on with the help of the government. Innocent people are being attacked whenever they protest." "Why is the administration silent?" He said that three residents of a village in Rajnargaon were attacked for protesting against illegal sand mining and two of them were arrested. It is also alleged that the name of a local influential person is involved in the incident.
The Congress has started protests across the state on this issue. Through a program called "Nyay Padayatra", they are trying to make the common people aware and are raising their voice against the government.
On the other hand, the state government has said that it is already taking strict action against illegal mining. The administration is conducting raids in the concerned districts and taking legal action against the culprits, they claim.
However, the Congress alleged that this move is just a show of force. In reality, the government is protecting the sand mafia and ignoring public interest. Keeping this issue in mind, they are preparing for a big agitation in the next assembly session.
This incident has sparked a new debate in state politics. On one hand, the opposition is trying to pressure the government over sand mining, while on the other hand, the government is desperate to prove its administrative goodwill. As a result, political analysts believe that this issue in Chhattisgarh is going to gain more political importance in the coming days.