Chhattisgarh Politics Intensify as CM Baghel Responds to Piyush Goyal’s Paddy Allegations

Raipur: As the Chhattisgarh assembly elections approach, the political atmosphere in the state is getting more intense, with concerns about paddy and rice procurement taking centre stage. Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has accused the Congress-led government in Raipur of irregularities. Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel strongly denies these allegations and even accuses the BJP of suppressing the people of Chhattisgarh. This raises the question; Is paddy procurement the focus of Chhattisgarh’s electoral battle?

During a press conference in Raipur, Union Minister Piyush Goyal expressed his concerns about irregularities in procuring 65,000 metric tonnes of food grains. He announced an inspection in Chhattisgarh. Issued an advisory to the state government regarding these alleged disruptions. 

Goyal emphasized that the state government had not fulfilled its responsibility in distributing food grains received from the government. He pointed out that the state government buys paddy on behalf of the government, which provides funding for it. In addition, Goyal challenged CM Bhupesh Baghel by offering rice and an adequate supply of jute bags while cautioning against misleading the public.

In light of these accusations, Chief Minister Baghel refuted Goyal’s claims stating that the Union Minister’s main agenda was to spread misinformation. Baghel recalled an incident from four years ago when Goyal had accused the state of buying paddy above the designated price, which led to the government declining to purchase rice.