A sharp political and administrative controversy has erupted in Chhattisgarh after Bharatiya Janata Party legislator Ajay Chandrakar was heard verbally threatening a government official over a phone call. Chandrakar, who served as a cabinet minister under former chief minister Raman Singh, currently holds no ministerial portfolio. Despite holding only an MLA post at present, his aggressive tone during the call over agricultural irrigation issues has triggered widespread attention.
Dispute Over Irrigation Water for Farmland
The confrontation began over the release of irrigation water into farmers' fields. After receiving complaints from local farmers whose agricultural lands were lacking adequate water supply, Chandrakar placed a phone call to the concerned administrative official. During the exchange, the legislator angrily pointed out that water had run out across the fields. In response, the official stated that he had already dispatched a representative to inspect the spot.
This reply further provoked the legislator, who responded with stark intimidation. Chandrakar told the official that had the person been visible, he would have buried him right there on the spot. He added that the person does not know who Ajay Chandrakar is and instructed the officer never to send individuals who tarnish the administration's reputation. Chandrakar also remarked that the worker would inevitably retire the next day. Infuriated by the unresolved grievances of the cultivators, the legislator strongly rebuked the administration for failing to ensure proper water release.
Five-Time Legislator from the Kurud Stronghold
Ajay Chandrakar ranks among the most senior political figures within the BJP in the state. He is a five-term Member of the Legislative Assembly and previously held multiple key portfolios as a cabinet minister during the Raman Singh administration, during which he wielded considerable administrative influence. Political observers frequently regard him as a master of parliamentary politics and legislative procedures.
The Kurud assembly constituency, located in Dhamtari district, is widely considered Chandrakar's impenetrable electoral bastion. Having started his political journey through student activism, he secured his first assembly victory in 1998. With the sole exception of the 2008 assembly election, he has maintained an unbroken winning record from Kurud. In the 2023 state assembly polls, he retained the seat by defeating Congress rival Tarani Neelam Chandrakar. His deep grassroots outreach and direct public contact have consistently thwarted Congress attempts to capture the constituency.
Congress Demands BJP Intervention Over MLA's Conduct
The opposition Congress party launched an aggressive attack against the ruling party legislator following the confrontation. Congress communication chief Sushil Anand Shukla claimed that Chandrakar has grown deeply frustrated after being excluded from the current state cabinet. Shukla suggested that the senior BJP leader should visit the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in Chhattisgarh for a mental health evaluation and dedicate time to rest and Vipassana meditation.
Shukla remarked that losing mental composure at the level of such a senior leader is detrimental to the entire state. He noted that Chandrakar has been repeatedly using unparliamentary and foul language in public interactions. Calling upon the BJP central and state leadership to take formal cognizance of the episode, the Congress spokesperson asserted that unstable mental composure requires serious attention.
