Shrinking debate time in Parliament, Assemblies fuels street protests: Chhattisgarh LoP Mahant in letter to CM Sai

Warning that inadequate discussions of people’s issues within democratic forums could evolve into public movements, Chhattisgarh Leader of Opposition (LoP) Charan Das Mahant has urged the State government to increase the duration and number of sittings for the upcoming legislative Assembly sessions. 

“When the problems of the public are not given adequate time or serious consideration within democratic forums like Parliament or Legislative Assemblies, those issues do not simply disappear; instead, they spill out beyond the confines of the legislative chambers and onto the streets. Matters that could have been discussed within the House, grievances that might have been resolved through dialogue, and demands for which the government and the Opposition could have jointly found a solution, instead evolve into public movements, sit-ins, and protests,” he wrote in a letter to Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Friday (October 16, 2026). 

Reminding the Chief Minister that even schoolchildren were taking to the streets to voice their concerns in the State, Mr. Mahant wrote that such developments were a cause for concern not only for the government but for the entire State.

He further wrote that the Legislative Assembly was not merely a forum for conducting legislative business, he wrote that it was the supreme democratic institution that gives voice to the hopes, aspirations, and concerns of the State’s millions of citizens. It served as a sacred platform where, through open, serious, and meaningful discourse between the ruling party and the Opposition on matters of public interest, the government’s accountability was established and the trajectory for the State’s development was determined, he added. 

Highlighting current issues such as the plight of farmers, the power crisis, deteriorating law and order, dilapidated roads, challenges in healthcare and education, infrastructure development, and the effective implementation of public welfare schemes, the veteran Congress politician wrote that these required in-depth discussion and concrete decisions —transcending partisan politics. 

Mr. Mahant alleged that important notices — such as ‘calling attention’ motions, adjournment motions, and matters raised during the ‘zero hour’— went unaddressed through any substantive discussion, undermining “the very spirit of dialogue within the House”.

“Therefore, it is earnestly requested that you take the necessary initiatives to extend the duration of upcoming Legislative Assembly sessions and increase the number of sittings, with the objective of strengthening democratic traditions and ensuring meaningful deliberation on the State’s challenges. By consulting with the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, the Business Advisory Committee, and leaders of all political parties, a framework can be developed that provides the House with more working days and ensures sufficient time for discussions on significant issues of public interest,” he wrote.