Kumar Bahukhandi
Former Chhattisgarh CM questions demolition drive in Nakti village, asks how ‘illegal’ homes received government amenities and PMAY benefits-Photo Credit -channel24india.com
Key Political Takeaways
- More than 80 houses in Nava Raipur’s Nakti village were demolished during an eviction drive.
- The land is proposed to be used for an MLA housing project.
- Bhupesh Baghel questioned why poor families were displaced for VIP accommodation.
- He sought answers on how allegedly illegal houses received water, electricity and PMAY benefits.
- The BJP government has defended the action, stating the land was under illegal occupation and the eviction followed due process.
Raipur : A fresh political confrontation has erupted in Chhattisgarh after former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel strongly criticised the BJP government over the demolition of more than 80 houses in Raipur’s Nakti village, where land is being cleared for a proposed MLA housing project.
Launching a sharp attack on the Vishnu Deo Sai-led government, Baghel questioned the rationale behind displacing economically weaker families to make way for residences for legislators. He alleged that the action reflected a governance model that favours the influential at the expense of the poor.
Addressing the media, the Congress leader raised a series of pointed questions over the legality of the demolition drive. He asked how the houses could now be termed “illegal encroachments” when many of them had reportedly been provided with electricity connections, drinking water supply and benefits under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY).
“If these houses were illegal, who approved the electricity and water connections? How were beneficiaries sanctioned houses under PMAY?” Baghel asked, demanding accountability from the state government.
The former Chief Minister further alleged that the government was displaying a double standard by removing poor families while prioritising infrastructure for elected representatives. According to him, the administration should have first ensured proper rehabilitation and alternative housing before carrying out any demolition.
The BJP government has maintained that the land was under unauthorised occupation and that the eviction was conducted in accordance with legal procedures to facilitate public infrastructure development, including the proposed MLA residential complex.
The demolition has intensified political debate in the state, with the Congress accusing the government of being insensitive towards vulnerable communities, while the ruling BJP has defended the action as a lawful measure against encroachment.
