The annual Chhattisgarh State Foundation Day, known as Rajyotsava, has kicked off in Raipur with a three-day celebration from November 4 to 6. While the event traditionally celebrates the state’s culture, achievements, and heritage, this year’s festivities have taken on a political undertone, with both the ruling party and opposition seizing the opportunity to criticize each other over the planned exhibitions and achievements on display.
Rajyotsava 2024 Begins
The Rajyotsava event was inaugurated with fanfare, and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav joined as the chief guest, extending his congratulations to the people of Chhattisgarh. This year’s Rajyotsava includes a variety of exhibitions highlighting Chhattisgarh’s rich cultural heritage and traditional practices, offering residents and visitors a glimpse into the state’s unique identity.
However, it wasn’t long before political rivalries began to surface. As the celebrations commenced, both the ruling party and the opposition began trading accusations over the theme and content of the exhibitions. The political landscape of Chhattisgarh has already been tense, and Rajyotsava provided another arena for these ongoing clashes.
Exhibiting Chhattisgarh’s Culture and Government Achievements
Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao emphasized that the exhibitions would highlight Chhattisgarh’s traditions and cultural legacy while also showcasing achievements from the BJP's current ten-month tenure in the state. According to Sao, the exhibitions aim to feature major initiatives such as the Mahtari Vandan Yojana, long-pending bonuses for farmers, and recent efforts to support paddy purchases, which have been prioritized by the government. These achievements, Sao mentioned, are intended to showcase how the administration has addressed key issues in the region.
Opposition’s Taunts on the Rajyotsava Exhibition
On the other hand, Chhattisgarh PCC Chief Deepak Baij openly criticized the government’s decision to highlight its achievements at the Rajyotsava exhibition. Baij questioned the accomplishments claimed by the BJP in their ten-month governance, suggesting that an exhibition of criminal incidents might be more accurate. He sarcastically remarked that if the government is truly interested in displaying its record, it should include statistics on rising crime and recent knife attacks, which have become concerns under the current administration.
Baij's comments reflect a larger dissatisfaction from the opposition, who have been vocal about alleged lapses in law enforcement and rising crime rates. His taunt about showcasing “criminal achievements” underscores the opposition’s discontent with the BJP’s governance record, especially concerning public safety and crime prevention.
The disagreement over Rajyotsava exhibitions is part of a broader struggle between the ruling BJP and the Congress, which has often criticized the BJP’s policies and leadership. The Congress party’s response indicates its intent to highlight what it perceives as administrative shortcomings under the BJP. In their view, the achievements presented in Rajyotsava are, at best, insufficient to tackle critical issues like crime and farmer welfare.
The BJP, meanwhile, is positioning Rajyotsava as an opportunity to connect with the public and showcase tangible efforts in various sectors, including agriculture and social welfare. Highlighting these initiatives is an attempt to reinforce their image as a proactive and solution-oriented government.
(PRAKASH KUMAR PANDEY)
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