Chhattisgarh assembly disrupted by Congress protest over ED raid

RAIPUR: The Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly's budget session experienced significant disruption on its tenth day when Congress MLAs protested against the ED raid at AICC General Secretary and former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel's residence, causing considerable disturbance through their sloganeering in the House.
During Question Hour on Monday, Congress MLAs entered the Assembly Well whilst shouting against BJP and ED, calling it ED action a "murder of democracy". This led to their suspension by the Speaker, though it was later revoked at noon with an invitation to rejoin proceedings. The Congress MLAs, however, opted to travel to Bhilai in support of Baghel.
The opposition members voiced accusations about the ruling party's alleged misuse of ED for intimidation purposes, shouting slogans against such tactics. Despite the Speaker's request to address these concerns during Zero Hour, the protests continued, resulting in heated exchanges between both parties.
The persistent demonstrations in the Well led to the MLAs' suspension, yet they continued their sit-in protest. BJP MLA Dharamjeet Singh condemned the opposition's behaviour, stating they could have raised concerns properly but chose disruption instead.
Following the suspension, Opposition Leader Dr Charan Das Mahant held an immediate Congress Legislature Party meeting. Despite attempts by Minister Ramvichar Netam and Finance Minister OP Choudhary to calm the situation, Congress members walked out.
The disruption continued past 11:15, prompting Speaker Dr Raman Singh to proceed with scheduled questions. At 11:35, he adjourned Question Hour for 10 minutes. The opposition then demonstrated at Mahatma Gandhi's bust before departing for Bhilai, despite the Speaker revoking their suspension.
MLA Chandrakar noted the contrast in Congress's reaction between Baghel's case and Kawasi Lakhma's earlier ED arrest. Congress MLA Umesh Patel alleged targeted action against those questioning the government, citing Baghel's recent inquiry about Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana implementation.
Patel connected Lakhma's case to this pattern, accusing the BJP government of suppressing Assembly questioners and undermining democracy. He vowed to continue opposing what he termed the "British-like BJP".