Bilaspur // In a significant development within the Chhattisgarh Chamber of Commerce and Industries, Bilaspur Divisional Working President and member of the Chamber’s Constitution Amendment Committee, Kamal Soni, has resigned from his post, citing serious disagreement with the organisation’s existing working system, constitutional provisions and what he described as regional imbalance in leadership and representation.
Soni said that although he has stepped down from his organisational position, he would continue his efforts to raise the issues and demands of traders, businessmen and entrepreneurs across Chhattisgarh, particularly those relating to equal representation, balanced leadership and regional economic development.
Agenda Items on Constitutional Amendment Allegedly Removed
According to Soni, he had been consistently raising the demand for amendments to the Chamber’s Constitution, along with the need for balanced leadership and equal representation of traders from all divisions of the state.
He stated that the upcoming Executive Committee meeting scheduled for August 9, 2026, was initially expected to discuss important matters concerning constitutional amendments and issues related to the interests of Bilaspur’s business community.
However, Soni alleged that these important matters were subsequently removed from the meeting agenda, which he said became one of the reasons behind his decision to resign.
Serious Questions Raised Over Clause 15
One of the key issues highlighted by Soni concerns Clause 15 of the Chamber’s Constitution.
He argued that the existing provision creates an imbalance in eligibility for some of the organisation’s top positions, including President, General Secretary and Treasurer, with eligibility linked to the Raipur and Nava Raipur region.
Soni questioned why an organisation that claims to represent the entire business community of Chhattisgarh should have a leadership structure that, according to him, does not provide equal opportunities to representatives from all regions and divisions.
He maintained that the Chamber’s leadership structure should reflect the geographical and economic diversity of the entire state.
“If the organisation represents traders from the entire state, its leadership system should also provide equal opportunities to all divisions and regions of Chhattisgarh,” Soni said.
He stressed that constitutional reform is necessary to address what he described as an existing regional imbalance.
‘Chamber Should Become the Voice of Entire Chhattisgarh’
Soni further said that the fundamental responsibility of a state-level trade organisation is to effectively present the problems, demands and suggestions of traders from every division before the State and Central Governments.
He alleged that issues concerning Raipur and adjoining areas often receive greater attention, while demands emerging from other regions of the state do not always receive the same level of priority.
According to him, balanced leadership is essential for balanced development.
Every division of Chhattisgarh has its own economic, industrial and commercial characteristics, he said, and these regional priorities should receive equal importance within the Chamber’s organisational framework.
Demand to Include Bilaspur in State Capital Region
Another major issue raised by Soni is the long-standing demand to include Bilaspur in the State Capital Region (SCR).
He said traders and business representatives from Bilaspur have been demanding an expansion of the SCR so that Bilaspur and its surrounding areas can also benefit from the region’s planned economic and infrastructural development.
Soni pointed out that Bilaspur is an important commercial and business centre of Chhattisgarh and is also home to several major institutions and economic assets, including the Chhattisgarh High Court, South East Central Railway (SECR) headquarters and other industrial and institutional activities.
He argued that bringing Bilaspur within the broader SCR framework could provide a new direction to the region’s economic growth, industrial development, infrastructure and investment opportunities.
Soni also expressed concern that the demand to include Bilaspur in the SCR has not been pursued with the level of seriousness that the issue deserves.
Demand for an Industrial Park in Bilaspur
Soni also highlighted the need for a dedicated Industrial Park in Bilaspur.
According to him, the Bilaspur division possesses significant industrial and economic potential because of its access to important resources and institutions, including power, coal, railways, limestone, water resources and the High Court.
Despite these advantages, he said, the demand for an industrial park and other development initiatives for Bilaspur has not been effectively taken up before the government.
Soni believes that stronger representation of local traders and entrepreneurs could help attract new investments, industries and employment opportunities to Bilaspur and the wider division.
He said the region has the potential to emerge as a major industrial and commercial hub if its infrastructure and business demands are effectively addressed.
Concern Over Industrial Migration Towards Raipur
Soni also expressed concern over what he described as increasing industrial migration from Bilaspur and other divisions towards Raipur and surrounding areas.
He claimed that over the past approximately 10 years, several major industrial and commercial activities have increasingly shifted towards the Raipur region due to differences in development opportunities and regional priorities.
According to Soni, if different parts of the state do not receive equal representation, investment and development opportunities, the economic imbalance between regions could become more pronounced.
He warned that such an imbalance would not only affect Bilaspur or any particular division but could ultimately have an impact on the overall economic development of Chhattisgarh.
‘Resignation Is Not Against Any Individual or Region’
Clarifying the reason behind his resignation, Soni said that his decision was not directed against any individual, group or particular region.
He described the resignation as a principle-based decision aimed at seeking reforms in the organisational system and ensuring equal leadership and representation for traders across Chhattisgarh.
Soni made it clear that leaving the post does not mean stepping away from the issues he has been raising.
“I have resigned from the post, but not from my objective. I will continue working to strengthen the voice of traders and business communities of Bilaspur as well as all divisions of Chhattisgarh.”
He said he would continue working to ensure that the problems, suggestions and demands of traders and entrepreneurs are effectively communicated to the government.
Focus on Equal Leadership and Balanced Economic Development
Soni reiterated that his campaign is centred on establishing a system based on equal leadership, equal representation and balanced economic and industrial development.
He said that Bilaspur division has several major economic and institutional advantages, including coal, power, railways, limestone, water resources and the High Court, while other regions of Chhattisgarh also possess significant industrial and commercial potential.
According to him, the state can achieve more balanced growth only when the development requirements of all divisions and regions are given adequate representation at the organisational and policy-making levels.
Soni maintained that the Chamber should function as a genuinely statewide platform for the business community, ensuring that the voice of traders from Bilaspur, Raipur, Durg, Bhilai and other regions receives fair and effective representation.
Key Issues Raised by Kamal Soni
- Resignation from the post of Bilaspur Divisional Working President
- Demand for amendment of the Chamber Constitution
- Concerns over Clause 15
- Demand for equal leadership opportunities for all regions
- Allegation of regional imbalance in representation
- Demand to include Bilaspur in the State Capital Region (SCR)
- Demand for a dedicated Industrial Park in Bilaspur
- Concerns over industrial migration towards Raipur
- Greater representation for traders and entrepreneurs from all divisions
- Focus on balanced economic and industrial development across Chhattisgarh
Soni concluded that his resignation should not be viewed as an end to his involvement in issues concerning the business community. Instead, he said it marks a continuation of his efforts outside the organisational post to push for structural reforms, regional equality and a stronger collective voice for the business community of Chhattisgarh.
Issued by:
Kamal Soni
Former Bilaspur Divisional Working President
Chhattisgarh Chamber of Commerce and Industries
