Ministers face protest over fraud
Raipur | Correspondent: Women defrauded of crores of rupees in Korba, Chhattisgarh, staged a roadblock protest on Sunday to demand justice.
A viral video has surfaced, showing a heated exchange between two state cabinet ministers, Lakhanlal Devangan and Ramvichar Netam, and the protesting women.
During the confrontation, Industry Minister Lakhanlal Devangan appeared to lose his temper, warning the women to remain calm.
“We are talking peacefully. The government and administration are cooperating. If you act arrogantly, we will call the police and have you removed,” he reportedly said.
This remark further agitated the protesters, escalating tensions. Minister Ramvichar Netam also addressed the protesters, urging them to avoid politicizing the issue.
“Taking the law into your own hands will worsen the situation. Action will be taken against the culprits,” he stated.
Political Fallout
The incident has triggered a political uproar in Chhattisgarh, with the Congress party condemning the BJP and accusing its ministers of disrespecting women.
Former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel shared the viral video of Minister Devangan on social media, alleging BJP’s involvement in fraudulent activities.
He claimed, “BJP leaders are linked to companies that commit fraud.
This time, the Agriculture Minister’s name is associated with Floramax, a company that defrauded crores.
Such participation in plunder has become the BJP’s identity.”
The Congress party further criticized Devangan’s remarks in its social media posts, stating,
“If you act arrogantly, the police will remove you – these are the words of Minister Lakhanlal Devangan.
The same minister inaugurated the chit fund company that absconded with women’s money.
Worshiping mothers in public while insulting them in private reveals their true character.”
Opposition Voices
Former PCC chief Dhanendra Sahu also condemned the minister’s behavior.
“The arrogance displayed by the minister is appalling. Such disrespect towards women reflects a government disconnected from public issues.
These women will ensure BJP’s defeat in the 2028 assembly elections,” he remarked.
BJP Responds
BJP General Secretary Sanjay Srivastava dismissed the allegations, targeting former CM Bhupesh Baghel instead.
“Under Baghel’s tenure as Chief Minister, Chhattisgarh became notorious for fraud cases. Such baseless allegations are hypocritical.
If women have been cheated, an investigation will be conducted. Congress’s involvement in such cases often comes to light, and they seem to have mastered this art of deflection,” he countered.
