Jogi Family Seeks Merger of JCC(J) with Congress

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India] December 20 : The Janta Congress Chhattisgarh (Jogi) [JCC(J)], which was established by the late former Chief Minister Ajit Jogi in June 2016, has publicly suggested a merger with the Indian National Congress.  

In a letter to Deepak Baij, the President of the Chhattisgarh Congress, Dr. Renu Jogi, the national president of JCC(J) and the widow of Ajit Jogi, expressed this intention, emphasizing the political similarities between the two parties.

Details of the Proposal

In her response, Dr. Renu Jogi declared that the JCC(J) core committee has collectively recommended the merger. She continued by saying: "The ideology of our party remains the same as that of the Congress." The proposal further states that all JCC(J) officeholders are eager about entirely joining the Congress.

Congress's Response

Deepak Baij confirmed the merger request, stating, "We have received a proposal letter regarding the merger of JCC(J) with Congress." He declared that the Chhattisgarh Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) has scheduled a meeting to address the issue after December 25. \

Baij continued by saying: "The discussions with senior party leaders will decide on it." Additionally, he disclosed that the PCC has received additional applications from individuals who wish to return the Congress party.

JCC(J)'s Political Trajectory

In the 2018 Chhattisgarh Assembly elections, JCC(J) formed a alliance with the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and secured five seats, compared to the BSP's two.Still, JCC(J) didn't win any seats in the 2023 Assembly elections, which shows that it has lost a lot of political power.

Challenges Faced by JCC(J)

Political experts say that the fall of JCC(J) is due to the lack of leadership that Ajit Jogi's death caused. The backing and unity of the party have made things hard for Dr.Renu Jogi with her son Amit Jogi.When multiple famous officials left the party ahead to the 2023 elections, the party's structure weakened intensely.

The merger has the potential to improve the Congress' position in Chhattisgarh by adding the JCC(J)'s residual supporters. This choice might also be seen as the Jogi family's political "homecoming," as they resume their association with Congress after an eight-year sabbatical.

The proposed union of the JCC(J) with the Congress emphasizes the power of Chhattisgarh's political unions. The future direction of this proposed merger will be determined by the upcoming conversations among congressional leaders.

 By Manasa Permulla