Chhattisgarh health minister walks out over allegations of attacking Congress MLA

On Sunday, Chhattisgarh Congress MLA Brihaspat Singh alleged that his convoy was attacked at the behest of health minister TS Singh Deo in Surguja district

Updated on: Jul 27, 2021, 16:06:09 IST

By Ritesh Mishra

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Chhattisgarh minister T S Singh Deo on Tuesday walked out of the state assembly demanding a “clear statement” from the government over fellow Congress legislator Brihaspat Singh’s allegation that he was “attacked” at the former’s behest on Sunday.

When Congress came to power in Chhattisgarh in December 2018, T S Singh Deo was among the three top contenders for the CM’s post, which was eventually given to Bhupesh Baghel. (PTI/File/Representative Photo)

It is rare for a minister to stage such a walkout and signals an escalation in the rift within the ruling Congress. Deo was seen among the contenders for the chief minister’s post when the party swept back to power in 2018. Singh has linked the alleged attack to his praise of chief minister Bhupesh Baghel and backing his continuation as the state’s top elected official. He claimed Deo held a grudge against him over his position.

Singh has alleged his convoy was allegedly attacked by three persons, one of whom is a relative of Deo. Deo has denied the allegation and claimed that he instructed police to take strict action against the accused.

The controversy has erupted amid talk of a purported formula under which Deo and Baghel agreed to share the chief minister’s post over five years.

Home minister Tamradhwaj Sahu, who was seen as the other leading contender for the top post in 2018, made a statement in connection with “a road rage incident” involving Singh’s convoy on July 24.

Amid the chaos over the issue in the House, Deo said, “Yesterday (Monday) chief minister (Bhupesh Baghel) called us in his chamber and a discussion took place...”

Deo said he is not in a position to attend the House till there is clarity from the government over the issue. “I do not consider myself eligible to participate in the proceedings...,” he said. “I do not find myself worthy to be part of the session of this House until the government orders an inquiry or issues a statement.’ Deo soon left the assembly while refusing to speak to the media.

The opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) questioned Sahu’s statement saying it had no reference to Singh’s allegations against Deo.

Assembly speaker Charan Das Mahant said he has not received any complaints either from Singh or Deo.

The BJP on Monday demanded that the House take cognisance on its own over the issue and order an inquiry.

Dharamlal Kaushik, the opposition leader, called the alleged attack an “unfortunate incident” for Congress as well as the state as such allegations have never been levelled in the state’s history.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ritesh Mishra
Ritesh Mishra is the State Correspondent for Chhattisgarh with Hindustan Times. He reports on Maoism, internal security, politics, mining, governance, and major developments shaping the state. Based in Raipur, he has covered Chhattisgarh since 2016, reporting extensively from the Bastar region and other conflict-affected areas. With nearly two decades of experience in journalism, Ritesh has built a reputation for ground reporting from some of India's most challenging terrains. His coverage spans Left-Wing Extremism, counter-insurgency operations, elections, tribal affairs, environmental issues, infrastructure, mining, and socio-economic developments. He has reported on major security operations, policy initiatives, wildlife crime, and the changing dynamics of conflict and development in Central India. Before moving to Chhattisgarh, Ritesh spent eight years reporting from Madhya Pradesh, covering politics, administration, crime, development, and social issues. Throughout his career, he has reported on various forms of extremism in Central India, combining field reporting with in-depth analysis to produce accurate, balanced, and impactful journalism. Prior to joining Hindustan Times, Ritesh worked with The Pioneer and The Free Press Journal, where he covered a wide range of beats and honed his skills in political, investigative, and field reporting. His reporting is marked by exclusive stories, extensive fieldwork, and a commitment to factual, on-the-ground journalism that brings complex issues to a wider audience.Read More

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