*Dr. Raman Singh: If cows ate less fodder, how was there more dung.*

Raipur: The Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly witnessed intense debates during its budget session as the spotlight turned to the cow dung procurement conducted by the previous Congress administration. BJP lawmakers and ministers didn't mince words, leveling allegations of corruption during the Congress tenure.

Dr. Raman Singh, Speaker of the Assembly, raised pertinent questions to Minister Brijmohan Agrawal regarding the cow dung procurement process, symbolizing the skepticism with his witty remark, "If cows ate less fodder, how was there more dung?" Minister Agrawal, in response, proposed a potential investigation by the relevant committee.

BJP Legislators Ajay Chandrakar and Lata Usendi expressed concerns over the exorbitant expenses incurred in cow dung transportation under the Congress regime. Chandrakar's scrutiny of the agriculture department, in the absence of Minister Ramvichar Netam, led Minister Agrawal to intervene on his behalf.

Questions emerged regarding the allocation of funds from the 14th and 15th Finance Commissions or the Livestock Development Scheme for cow dung transportation. Agrawal clarified that the funds were allocated in accordance with scheme guidelines.

Chandrakar sought clarity on the rate fixation process. Agrawal defended the allocation of funds to the Gaushala Management Committee for cow dung transportation. Nonetheless, Chandrakar called for a comprehensive investigation, citing doubts regarding fund utilization.

Agrawal assured an investigation with oversight from senior officials. However, Chandrakar insisted on scrutiny by the legislative committee, demanding evidence of cow dung procurement and highlighting discrepancies in records.

Lata Usendi emphasized irregularities in cow dung procurement, pointing out inconsistencies between procurement volumes and livestock ownership. She advocated for a meticulous investigation into the procurement process.

Dr. Raman Singh concluded with a light-hearted suggestion of a breed-specific inquiry into the cows involved. Agrawal agreed to include cow dung in the investigation under the jurisdiction of the relevant committee, with approval from Dr. Raman Singh.

As the state awaits the outcome of the impending investigation, stakeholders anticipate gaining a clearer understanding of the cow dung procurement controversy. The probe's findings are expected to illuminate governance practices and set standards for integrity and accountability in public service.