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Journalism of Courage
With former Chief Minister Ajit Jogi deciding to stay from the campaigning of the upcoming municipal elections, the Chhattisgarh Congress has once again gifted an electoral opportunity to the BJP government.
The elections are scheduled for December 29 and the Raman Singh government was finding it difficult to woo voters following a spate of recent controversies including fake ration cards, limit on paddy procurement and deaths of women over botched-up sterilizations. The public mood has considerably turned against the government.
However, the state Congress saw bitter factionalism and scuffle among the supporters of rival leaders over the ticket distribution. After several of his nominees could not get tickets, Jogi declared last night that he would not campaign in the election. “It is up to the younger leaders to take forward. I will not participate,” he said.
Terming it an “unfortunate move”, PCC chief Bhupesh Baghel sought to downplay it by saying “it’s his personal decision.”
The rivalry between Jogi and Baghel has intensified ever since he became the party president a year ago. Baghel, who once was a minister in Jogi’s cabinet, has led several active campaigns on street against Raman Singh since then and has been trying to emerge as a mass leader.
While the BJP too has had its share of rivalries, the party now senses a major opportunity after Jogi’s withdrawal. “Jogi’s wiuthdrawl will hurt the Congress,” said Raman Singh, who is undergoing the toughest phase of his career. A defeat in the municipal polls would hurt him further and damage his already-tattered image before the central leadership.
At present, the Congress controls the two biggest mayoral seats of Raipur and Bilaspur. Baghel now faces a challenge to retain the tally.
Over the years the state Congress has had repeated tussles with the Jogi faction, which ultimately benefits the BJP. Before the November 2013 assembly elections, Jogi had threatened to form his own party and was seen supporting rival candidates. During the Lok Sabha elections, he had announced “Sanyas (retirement)”, though he returned later to contest and lose the election.
