Image for representational purposes only. | Photo credit: Reuters
Opposition Congress MLAs on Thursday (March 12, 2026) alleged that people in Chhattisgarh are facing shortage of cooking gas cylinders and demanded a debate in the State Assembly on measures taken to ensure smooth supply amid the conflict in West Asia.
The chairman did not recognize the opposition’s request for discussion, citing that the matter concerns the center. Congress MLAs barged into the Well of the House and raised slogans against the government, leading to their automatic suspension.
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The issue was raised by Leader of Opposition (LoP) Charan Das Mahant during Zero Hour. Mr. Mahant said that while the Chief Minister had earlier assured that Chhattisgarh would not face any shortage, the prices were hiked the very next day.
He demanded a discussion on the issue, which was opposed by Ajay Chandrakar of the Finance Ministry, who said it was not the state government’s business.
Former chief minister Bhupesh Baghel of the Congress said hoarding and black marketing were issues that the state government had to address. This led to an uproar, after which the chairman adjourned the meeting for five minutes.
As the House proceeded, the LoP said consumers of pressure cylinders in the state were facing hardship and demanded strict measures to prevent black marketing. He also said that cooking gas cylinders were also needed during weddings and these were also affected.
Mr. Baghel also said that while lives across the country have been affected by the ongoing conflict involving the US, Israel and Iran. He claimed that commercial supply of gas cylinders has been disrupted in Chhattisgarh due to reports of hotel closures.
Claiming that the shortage has led to hoarding and black marketing, Mr. Baghel said that in such a situation, the government should inform the House about the stock of domestic and commercial LPG cylinders and what measures have been taken to ensure smooth supply and prevent black marketing and hoarding.
He urged the Speaker to accept the notice of adjournment and hold a debate in the interest of the public. However, the chairman rejected the proposal, saying that the matter concerned the center.
The opposition MPs then started raising slogans and entered the chamber well.
When members entered the Well, they were automatically suspended. The Speaker announced the suspension of 30 Congress MLAs, but their suspension was revoked after a while.
Published – 13 March 2026 04:41 IST
