Leader of the Opposition Dr Charandas Mahant alleged massive corruption and mismanagement in the procurement and storage of paddy during the 2023 Kharif season, leading to a loss of over Rs 1,000 crore. During a press conference, Dr Mahant accused the BJP-led State Government, under Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, of failing to properly manage the record-breaking paddy production achieved due to the Congress Government’s good governance. He stated that the State procured 144.92 lakh metric tonnes of paddy, surpassing the estimated 130 lakh metric tonnes. However, the BJP Government allegedly failed to formulate an effective action plan for its storage, milling, and maintenance. “As of September 2, a staggering 4.16 lakh quintals of paddy remained at procurement centres, with 21.77 lakh quintals still at storage centres.

 

Due to the Government’s negligence, the paddy worth Rs 166.56 crore at the procurement centres has been completely destroyed,” Dr Mahant alleged. He further detailed the district-wise losses, citing Mungeli, Kabirdham, Bilaspur, Balod, Bemetara, and Balodabazar as the worst-affected districts, where significant quantities of paddy were left to rot. “The total loss amounts to Rs 1,037.55 crore. Most of the remaining paddy has been damaged by rainwater, rendering it unfit for human consumption and suitable only for animal feed or liquor production,” Dr Mahant added. The Congress leader also criticised the Central and State governments for their failure to arrange adequate storage facilities, resulting in the loss of 27.14 lakh metric tonnes of rice, valued at Rs 10,027 crore. He demanded the immediate resignation of the Food Minister, a clarification from the Chief Minister, and strict disciplinary action against the responsible officials. Dr Mahant stated that the Congress Party would raise this issue in both Parliament and the Legislative Assembly and file a complaint with the Lokayukta, urging swift action against the alleged corruption and mismanagement. 

 

 

BJP state spokesperson Sandip Sharma strongly refuted allegations of corruption in paddy procurement, custom milling, and maintenance made by Leader of Opposition Dr Charandas Mahant. Sharma criticised the Congress for its history of corruption and stated that any comments on corruption from the Congress are hypocritical. Sharma highlighted that under the Congress regime, farmers were mistreated and their payments for their produce were delayed and distributed in four instalments, often timed with the birthdays or death anniversaries of the Gandhi family members. He reminded the public that Congress failed to fulfil its promises, including the promised bonus for two years and the commitment to purchase unlimited paddy, which Rahul Gandhi had assured but never delivered. Sharma emphasised that the BJP Government, upon coming to power, immediately paid farmers the full price for their produce at a rate of Rs 3,100 per quintal, increased the paddy purchase limit to 21 quintals per acre, and cleared the pending bonuses. He also pointed out that the Central Government has introduced new schemes, such as the Kisan Samman Nidhi, under which farmers receive Rs 6,000 annually, contributing to the comprehensive development of farmers. Sharma accused the Congress of being frustrated with the BJP’s transparent governance and its success in empowering farmers, leading them to make baseless allegations.

 

He urged Mahant and other Congress leaders to reflect on their party’s tenure, which was marked by corruption from the top down. Sharma mentioned that there are ongoing allegations of corruption within the Congress, including the alleged sale of party tickets and financial mismanagement involving close associates of Bhupesh Baghel. He also noted that several top officials from the previous Bhupesh Government are currently in jail on corruption charges, making Congress’s accusations of corruption seem ironic. Sharma advised Mahant, as a senior leader, to focus on addressing the issues within his own party rather than making unfounded accusations against the BJP.