Senior BJP leader and Raipur Lok Sabha MP, Brijmohan Agrawal, has strongly objected to the construction of an MLA colony in Nakti village (Dharsiwan block), citing concerns over the displacement of poor families. He has written to Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, urging him to halt the construction immediately. In his letter, Agrawal stated that the Chhattisgarh Housing Board plans to build the MLA colony on 15.4790 hectares of land (Khasra number 460). However, over 80 impoverished families have been residing there for years. Many families have also received houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, and government buildings, including community halls, are present. Agrawal emphasized that the land is the common property of the villagers, which their ancestors had preserved as a grazing ground. The Gram Sabha and the Panchayat have also opposed the construction of the colony. He suggested that the MLA colony should be built on vacant land or an alternative site, avoiding the displacement of the residents. Former MLA Devjibhai Patel also met with Brijmohan Agrawal, sharing the grievances of the villagers and submitting a memorandum. Patel stated that most of the residents live below the poverty line, and the land is linked to their livelihood and dignity. Agrawal has requested the Chief Minister to immediately halt the proposed construction work and instruct the administration to maintain the status quo. This issue has reignited the debate of development versus displacement. Agrawal stated that development is essential, but it should not come at the cost of depriving the poor of their homes. This advocacy on behalf of the villagers has sparked hope among the local people, and all eyes are now on the government’s next move.
