Manendragarh-Chirmiri-Bharatpur (MCB), Chhattisgarh — A controversy surrounding the alleged distribution of imitation (gilt) mangalsutras instead of silver mangalsutras under the Chief Minister’s Kanya Vivah Yojana has intensified in Chhattisgarh, with the Indian National Congress preparing to raise the issue during the Monsoon Session of the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly, beginning July 13.
The opposition has accused the state government of mismanagement, corruption, and betraying the trust of newly married women who participated in the state-sponsored mass wedding program.
Mass Wedding Ceremony Held for 184 Couples
The controversy stems from a mass marriage ceremony organized on February 10, 2026, at the Mahamaya Temple complex in Chanwaridand, Khadgawan Block, in MCB district.
Under the Chief Minister’s Kanya Vivah Yojana, 184 couples were married during the event. As part of the government’s welfare package, newlyweds received various household items, including mangalsutras, which were reportedly presented as silver ornaments.
Allegations of Fake Mangalsutras
Several weeks after the ceremony, multiple brides reportedly discovered that the mangalsutras they had received were gilt (imitation) rather than silver, triggering widespread dissatisfaction and public criticism.
The issue was first highlighted by former Congress MLA Gulab Kamro, who accused the government of deceiving women and misusing public funds.
Kamro alleged that the incident reflected serious corruption within the administration and demanded strict action against the officials responsible.
According to him, the controversy represents an insult to women who benefited from the welfare scheme and raises serious questions about the implementation of government programs.
Congress to Raise Issue in Assembly
The Congress Party has announced that it will make the alleged fake mangalsutra distribution a major issue during the upcoming Monsoon Session of the state legislature.
Congress MLAs Sandeep Sahu and Baleshwar Sahu have submitted official questions seeking an explanation from the state government regarding the procurement process, quality of materials supplied, and accountability of officials involved.
The opposition is expected to demand transparency in the implementation of welfare schemes and seek answers over the alleged misuse of taxpayer money.
District Administration Orders Investigation
Following public outrage, MCB District Collector Santan Devi Jangde constituted a three-member inquiry committee to investigate the allegations.
The committee’s report reportedly confirmed procedural irregularities in the procurement of the mangalsutras.
Based on the findings, the Collector recommended departmental action against District Program Officer Aditya Sharma of the Women and Child Development Department.
The recommendation has been forwarded to the department’s Director for further disciplinary proceedings.
According to the district administration, the investigation found that the mandatory government procurement rules were not properly followed during the purchase of the mangalsutras.
Political Impact
The controversy has quickly evolved into a major political issue, with the Congress linking it to the dignity of economically weaker brides, government accountability, and the alleged misuse of public funds.
With the Monsoon Session scheduled to begin on July 13, the opposition is expected to press the government for detailed answers regarding the procurement process, administrative oversight, and the steps being taken against officials found responsible.
The issue is likely to dominate legislative proceedings and could become one of the most debated topics of the upcoming Assembly session as political tensions continue to rise over the implementation of the state’s welfare programs.
