The Bill prescribed imprisonment of up to 10 years and fines of up to ₹1 crore for specified violations

High drama unfolded in the Chhattisgarh Assembly on Thursday as the Freedom of Religion Bill, 2026, triggered a fierce political showdown.

120 former Maoists attended the Chhattisgarh Assembly, marking a significant step towards their integration into mainstream democracy, following efforts to declare Bihar 'Maoist-free'.

The Chhattisgarh Assembly was informed that 989 weapons, including 70 AK-47 rifles, have been seized or recovered from Maoists since 2020, with 4,340 Maoists surrendering and 666 killed in encounters.

Chhattisgarh assembly passes anti-paper leak bill; proposing penalties of up to 10 years’ imprisonment and fines of up to ₹1 crore

The CM emphasised that by placing their trust in the Constitution, the former Maoists have set a positive and inspiring example for others

The group, which included 54 women, spent several hours in the Assembly building where they watched the proceedings and met Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma and other senior Ministers who hailed the Maoists for their decision to return to the mainstream.

The Chhattisgarh Assembly has passed a new anti-conversion Bill, introducing stricter provisions including mandates for life imprisonment and fines up to ₹25 lakh in specific cases, despite objections from Congress MLAs.

The Chair announced the suspension of 30 Congress MLAs, their suspension was revoked a while later

The Congress party staged a walkout from the Chhattisgarh Assembly, protesting alleged illegal fly ash dumping in Raigarh district by thermal power plants.