The Chhattisgarh Congress Party has faced a number of reports of alleged struggles and cold wars between Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel and Health Minister TS Singh Deo—understandably for the CM’s position.
With Congress winning a large majority in 2018, the names of then-Party President Bhupesh Baghel, senior leaders Charan Das Mahant, Tamradhwaj Sahu, and TS Singh Deo were named as possible leaders of the ship for the next five years.
After several meetings, Aghel emerged as the most popular of the executives, leading the top command to bestow the throne on him following a series of negotiations in the National Capital.
Baghel provided the best portfolios for Mahant, Sahu, and Deo.
Following Baghel’s appointment as Chief Minister, several theories began to circulate, the most notable of which was a formula of shared leadership, about which no one, including the state’s high command or leaders, had ever spoken officially or in public.
So, what’s the problem now?
There has been a steady stream of events and headlines in recent months that point to a possible clash between Deo and CM Baghel. Random statements ranging from media headlines to social media posts have raised concerns about state change.
During recent visits to the national capital, CM Baghel and Deo only added to this.
When asked about the change of guard and the common formulation of leadership in Delhi, CM Baghel vehemently denied such talks, saying “such arrangements take place in countries involving coalition governments.”
Deo, the state’s Minister of Health, has also been questioned on several occasions. His response was largely unreasonable, stating that ‘there is no problem between Baghel and him.’
Meanwhile, PL Puniya, the leader of the Chhattisgarh party, has repeatedly stated that the country does not have a “two and a half years” formula.
Meanwhile, affairs in Rajasthan demand the party’s immediate attention, as Sachin Pilot’s faction has led a front against sitting CM Ashok Gehlot for over a year.
Affairs in states such as Haryana and Karnataka are also a source of concern for the party, with heavyweights in both states pitted against one another.
Party insiders confirm to Times Now that there are no immediate plans to change the chief minister in the state of Chhattisgarh, as evidenced by Baghel’s continued tenure as chief minister after 2.5 years in office.
