Former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel raises concerns over agriculture, education, healthcare, power tariffs, fertilizer shortage, and action against protesting youth
TFP Bureau, Raipur, July 29, 2026: Former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister and Congress National General Secretary Bhupesh Baghel on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on both the Central and State governments, alleging that they have failed to address major public concerns related to agriculture, education, healthcare, electricity, and employment. Addressing a press conference in Raipur, Baghel claimed that the governments have fallen short on multiple fronts, affecting farmers, students, youth, and common citizens.
Speaking on the agricultural situation, Baghel said erratic rainfall has adversely affected farming across the state and alleged that the government has failed to present a concrete plan to support distressed farmers. He also claimed that despite schools reopening on June 16, many students are yet to receive school bags and uniforms, while several schools continue to face a shortage of teachers.
Criticising the government’s power policies, Baghel alleged that consumers are facing excessive electricity bills following the installation of smart meters. Referring to the issue, he claimed that electricity charges during the monsoon season have been unusually high and alleged that consumers across the state are expressing dissatisfaction over billing. He also said that some meter readers have lost their jobs following the introduction of the new system.
The Congress leader further alleged that Chhattisgarh is facing a serious shortage of fertilizers, including DAP and urea. Referring to his recent visit to Gariaband, he claimed that farmers had complained about the non-availability of fertilizers and alleged that they were being sold in the black market at inflated prices.
Baghel also questioned the government’s action against protesting youth in different parts of the country. He alleged that despite assurances that no legal action would be taken, several young protesters were later arrested. He said such actions had raised concerns about the government’s approach toward handling public protests.
Targeting the state’s healthcare system, Baghel alleged that the recent malaria-related deaths reported in Bastar and Kanker reflected administrative negligence. He claimed that malaria cases have increased in tribal regions and accused the present government of weakening healthcare services that were introduced during the previous Congress administration. According to him, schemes such as Haat-Bazaar Clinics and the distribution of medicated mosquito nets had helped control malaria and diarrhoea in remote tribal areas between 2018 and 2023.
The former Chief Minister also alleged that the Haat-Bazaar Clinic and Urban Slum Health schemes had been discontinued, affecting access to healthcare for poor and tribal communities. He further claimed that Swami Atmanand Schools had undergone changes, including the introduction of fees, and alleged that these decisions had impacted the education sector.
Baghel maintained that the issues related to agriculture, healthcare, education, electricity, and public welfare require immediate attention and urged both the Central and State governments to take corrective measures to address the concerns raised by the people.
