Bhupesh Baghel is Chhattisgarh's new Chief Minister
What's the story
On Sunday, Congress announced Bhupesh Baghel will be the Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, four days after the party performed exceptionally well in the Assembly elections. In the elections, Congress won 68 seats while BJP shrunk to just 19. The incumbent government of Raman Singh lost the elections and the three-time Chief Minister took responsibility for the abysmal performance. Here's more.
Who is he
Baghel led Congress to victory in Maoist-affected state
Baghel, the President of the Chhattisgarh Pradesh Congress Committee, was credited for reviving the party in the state and bringing down a giant like Singh. Baghel has been associated with the Congress since the 1980s and is a four-term MLA from Patan. After the Congress leadership was wiped out in 2013 Darbha Maoist attack, he rose to prominence.
Contenders
There were four contenders for the top post
The other contenders for the top post were Congress Working Committee member Tamradhwaj Sahu, TS Singh Deo and former Union minister Chandras Mahant. Just like he did for Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, Congress President Rahul Gandhi tweeted a picture with all the four claimants. When quizzed about his chances, Deo said he would work for the people of Chhattisgarh.
Twitter Post
RaGa has found new way to hint selection is complete
No matter how brilliant your mind or strategy, if you’re playing a solo game, you’ll always lose out to a team.
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) December 15, 2018
– Reid Hoffman pic.twitter.com/TL5rPwiCDX
Details
Reportedly, Deo suggested Baghel's name
Sources told IE that it was Deo who suggested Baghel's name and the other two also threw their weight behind the CM-designate. When Baghel was asked about what his hopes were, he had given a calculated response. He had said, senior leaders, Mallikarjun Kharge and PL Punia would arrive in Raipur and that the name would be announced at the party's legislative meet.