Opposition Leader Urges Longer Assembly Sessions Amid Growing Street Protests in Chhattisgarh

Charan Das Mahant, the opposition leader in Chhattisgarh, wrote to Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on October 16, 2026 asking for longer and more frequent legislative Assembly sittings. He warned that when public problems are not given enough time in Parliament or state Assemblies, the issues move out of the chambers onto the streets. Mahant noted that even schoolchildren have taken to protests, a sign of concern for both the government and the state. He described the Assembly as the highest democratic body that reflects the hopes and worries of millions and said it should host serious, open talks that hold the government accountable. The letter listed pressing matters such as farmer distress, power shortages, worsening law‑and‑order, crumbling roads, gaps in health and education, lagging infrastructure and poor rollout of welfare schemes, all of which he said need deep discussion beyond party lines. Mahant claimed that standard motions like "calling attention," adjournments and zero‑hour items have been left without meaningful debate, weakening the spirit of dialogue. He urged the chief minister to work with the Assembly Speaker, the Business Advisory Committee and leaders of all parties to set a schedule with more working days, ensuring enough time for key public issues. ## Context The call reflects a broader worry that limited debate time can fuel public unrest, a pattern seen in other Indian states where legislative bottlenecks have sparked street movements.