Dhamtari, Chhattisgarh |The Indian National Congress staged a major protest outside the Dhamtari District Collectorate on Wednesday, accusing the state government of failing to address rising inflation, fertilizer shortages, increasing fuel prices, and higher electricity tariffs. The demonstration was led by Chhattisgarh Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) President Deepak Baij, who launched a strong attack on the state administration, alleging widespread corruption, deteriorating law and order, and the emergence of what he described as “mafia rule” across the state.
Congress Workers Lay Siege to Collectorate
Hundreds of Congress workers and supporters gathered at the district headquarters and marched toward the Collectorate, raising slogans against the government’s economic and agricultural policies.
During the protest, demonstrators attempted to cross police barricades installed around the government premises. This led to a brief confrontation and pushing between police personnel and protesters before the situation was brought under control.
Party leaders stated that the protest was organized to highlight growing public dissatisfaction over increasing living costs and the challenges being faced by farmers and ordinary citizens.
Farmers Facing Fertilizer Shortages
Congress leaders alleged that despite the beginning of the Kharif agricultural season, farmers across several regions are struggling to obtain essential fertilizers such as urea and DAP (Diammonium Phosphate) from cooperative societies and distribution centers.
According to party representatives, the shortage of fertilizers is negatively affecting farming activities and creating uncertainty among agricultural communities.
“The government has failed to ensure the timely availability of fertilizers, leaving farmers in distress during a critical cultivation period,” Congress leaders said during the protest.
Opposition to Higher Electricity Tariffs
A major focus of the demonstration was the recent increase in electricity rates, which Congress claims is placing an additional financial burden on households and businesses already struggling with inflation.
Addressing supporters, Deepak Baij accused the government of worsening economic hardships for citizens by raising power tariffs while failing to improve public services.
“The people of Chhattisgarh are already facing inflation, rising fuel prices, and agricultural challenges. Increasing electricity rates at such a time only adds to their suffering,” Baij said.
Three-Phase Statewide Protest Campaign Announced
The PCC chief outlined a three-phase protest campaign against the electricity tariff hike and related public issues.
According to Baij:
- Phase One: Demonstrations and sieges of electricity offices and district collectorates across the state.
- Phase Two: Statewide press conferences scheduled for June 18 to highlight public grievances.
- Phase Three: A door-to-door awareness campaign beginning in the first week of July under the slogan “Take Back the Electricity Bills, Remove Smart Meters.”
The campaign aims to mobilize public opinion against rising utility costs and other economic concerns.
Questions Raised Over Law and Order Situation
During his address, Baij also condemned the recent incident in Koriya district, where multiple people died after a violent clash involving a vehicle fire linked to a sand mining dispute.
Referring to the tragedy and other recent criminal incidents reported from districts such as Janjgir-Champa, Rajnandgaon, and Dhamtari, he alleged that crime rates and illegal activities are increasing across the state.
Baij accused the government of failing to maintain law and order and claimed that criminal networks and organized groups were becoming increasingly influential.
“The state is witnessing rising crime and growing influence of mafias. The government has failed to ensure public safety,” he said.
Criticism of ED Actions and Housing Scheme Implementation
The Congress leader also criticized recent actions by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), describing them as politically motivated.
According to Baij, investigative actions are being used to divert public attention from pressing issues such as inflation, unemployment, and governance failures.
He further alleged irregularities in the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), claiming that many beneficiaries received the first installment of housing assistance but continue to wait for subsequent payments necessary to complete construction.
Allegations of Corruption in Education and Welfare Programs
Expanding his criticism, Baij alleged that corruption has affected multiple government departments.
He claimed that numerous schools continue to face shortages of teachers, while students in some areas are not receiving textbooks, notebooks, and uniforms on time.
The PCC chief also accused the Women and Child Development Department of distributing poor-quality sarees and counterfeit mangalsutras under welfare programs, though these allegations have not been independently verified.
According to Baij, such issues indicate deeper administrative shortcomings and increasing corruption within public institutions.
Congress Warns of Intensified Agitation
Concluding the protest, Congress leaders warned that if the government fails to address concerns related to fertilizer availability, electricity tariffs, inflation, and public welfare programs, the party will intensify its agitation in the coming weeks.
“The people of Chhattisgarh, especially farmers and low-income families, are struggling due to rising costs and inadequate government support. Immediate corrective measures are needed, otherwise the Congress will launch a stronger statewide movement,” Baij stated.
The protest marks the latest escalation in the opposition party’s campaign against the state government as political debates continue over inflation, public services, agricultural support, and governance in Chhattisgarh.