Kumar Bahukhandi
The Monsoon Session of the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly, held from July 22 to 26, saw commendable performances from first-time Cabinet ministers
and MLAs. Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma, Politician turned bureaucrat Finance Minister O P Choudhary, and Health Minister Shyam Bihari Jaiswal garnered attention for their satisfactory responses in the House, which drew praise from
the Chair.
Among the MLAs, first-time representatives from the treasury benches, Beltara MLA Sushant Shukla and Dharsiwa MLA Anuj Sharma, received applause for their contributions. Similarly, opposition Congress MLAs Akaltara MLA Raghvendra Kumar Singh and Dongargarh MLA Harshita Swami Baghel, also serving their first term, were commended by the Chair for their articulate participation in the proceedings.
In his remarks on the concluding day, Speaker Dr. Raman Singh lauded the performances of Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma, Finance Minister O P Choudhary, Health Minister Shyam Bihari Jaiswal, along with MLAs Sushant Shukla, Raghvendra Kumar Singh, Harshita Swami Baghel, and other first-time MLAs.
The Speaker noted that
these legislators effectively raised public concerns during the session.
However, the session was not without controversy. The performance of Women and Child Development Minister Laxmi Rajwade came under scrutiny, as her inadequate response to queries led to dissatisfaction among opposition Congress MLAs. This prompted a walkout from the House by the opposition members.
The session also highlighted the adept oratory skills and strategic prowess of senior leaders from both the Congress and BJP. These seasoned politicians, known for their articulate speech and debating skills, played a role in shaping the session’s proceedings.
Veteran leaders from both parties engaged in spirited debates and effectively cornered the opposing benches, demonstrating their mastery of parliamentary tactics. The exchanges between the ruling and opposition members, characterised by sharp arguments and pointed counterattacks, served to enhance the legislative process, underscoring the robust democratic practices within the assembly.
Under the adept guidance of Speaker Dr Raman Singh, the assembly witnessed a vibrant display of parliamentary ethics, as leaders from across the political spectrum engaged in constructive and, at times, heated discussions. Chief Minister Sai and Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader Dr Charan Das Mahant coordinated their efforts to ensure that the session proceeded smoothly and efficiently, allowing for a thorough exploration of various issues.
The collaborative yet competitive atmosphere fostered by Speaker Dr Singh, along with the leadership of CM Sai and CLP leader Mahant, was instrumental in highlighting the strengths of Chhattisgarh’s parliamentary democracy.
The session not only provided a platform for experienced legislators to showcase their skills but also set a standard for future legislative sessions in the state.
The monsoon session thus concluded with a notable recognition of new leadership, both in the government and opposition ranks, demonstrating a promising start for the newcomers in the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly.
