Congress alleges Rs. 2300 crore ration card scam in Chhattisgarh

The Opposition (Congress) on Thursday accused the Chhattisgarh government of issuing 30 lakh “extra” ration cards resulting in the scam of “2300 crore rupees” and demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into the “scam”.

State Congress president Bhupesh Baghel moved an adjournment motion to take up the issue of ration cards for immediate discussion in the Assembly.

‘Losing right to food’

“The State government has issued 72 lakh ration cards to 42 lakh deserving families of the State and when the issue was raised, they [government] have started scrapping ration cards unilaterally. Now, some of the deserving people are losing their right to food. Is this the food security the Raman Singh government promised to provide?” asked Mr. Baghel.

Blaming Mr. Singh, Mr. Baghel alleged that the Chief Minister was protecting the people involved in the “misdeeds.”

Marwahi MLA Amit Jogi alleged that rice worth Rs. 2931 crore meant for the poor was not delivered to them.

“Where did this money go? It seems to have been spent in the assembly elections last year. The Bharaiya Janata Party government misused the government machinery for electoral gains,” claimed Mr. Jogi.

Mr. Jogi also appealed to the State government not to scrap the ration cards of the poor denying them their democratic rights.

CBI probe sought

Leader of Opposition T.S. Singh Dev demanded a CBI inquiry into the “scam” saying that “hundreds of ration cards are being stocked in ration shops.”

However, responding to the discussion, Minister for Food and Supply Pannulal Mohale said that the government would not let the poor suffer.

The Minister also appealed the “undeserving” ration card holders to return the cards within 45 days.