Raipur: A political controversy has intensified in Chhattisgarh after the state government’s decision to develop a Legislators’ Housing Colony in Nakti village sparked protests from local residents and opposition leaders. Congress MLA Janak Ram Dhruv has written to Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, urging the government to shift the proposed project to Nava Raipur instead of acquiring land in Nakti.
The demand comes days after a bulldozer-driven anti-encroachment operation in Nakti village, which drew criticism from opposition parties and local residents who claim that hundreds of families could lose their homes if the project proceeds.
Congress MLA Seeks Alternative Site
In his letter to the Chief Minister, Janak Ram Dhruv, who represents the Bindranawagarh Assembly constituency in Gariaband district, argued that constructing a Legislators’ Colony by displacing local villagers would not serve the public interest.
He stated that the current location has witnessed continuous opposition from residents and suggested that the government should allocate land in Nava Raipur, where sufficient government-owned land is reportedly available for such a project.
According to the MLA, shifting the project would allow the government to provide modern housing for legislators without forcing economically weaker families to leave their homes.
Concerns Over Displacement
In his communication, Dhruv expressed concern that the administration was proceeding with land-related actions without adequately consulting or taking local residents into confidence.
He emphasized that while facilities for elected representatives are important, they should not come at the cost of displacing poor families.
The Congress legislator appealed to the government to prioritize public welfare, rehabilitation, and social justice while making decisions on infrastructure projects.
Political Debate Intensifies
The issue has become a major political flashpoint in Chhattisgarh.
Earlier, several Congress leaders visited Nakti village to protest against the government’s actions following the demolition drive. With the latest letter from Janak Ram Dhruv, the opposition has intensified its criticism of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government.
Congress leaders argue that while the state government speaks of development and rehabilitation, its actions could result in the displacement of hundreds of rural families.
Government Yet to Respond
As of now, the Chhattisgarh Government has not officially responded to the MLA’s request or indicated whether it is willing to reconsider the location of the proposed Legislators’ Housing Colony.
The controversy is expected to remain a significant political issue in the coming days, with attention focused on whether the government will maintain its current plan or identify an alternative site in Nava Raipur.
Key Highlights
- Congress MLA Janak Ram Dhruv has urged Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai to relocate the proposed Legislators’ Housing Colony from Nakti village to Nava Raipur.
- The request follows a recent anti-encroachment demolition drive in Nakti that triggered protests.
- The MLA said hundreds of rural families could lose their homes if the project proceeds at the current site.
- He argued that government-owned land in Nava Raipur would be a more suitable location for the project.
- Congress has accused the state government of pursuing development without adequately addressing rehabilitation concerns.
- The Chhattisgarh Government has not yet announced whether it will reconsider the project’s location.
