15th October 2023, Mumbai: The political scenario in Chhattisgarh, the Congress party is considering dropping 25 of its sitting MLAs with negative public perception for the upcoming state elections. Internal surveys conducted by the party have identified these legislators as facing bleak prospects, prompting the need for a major reevaluation of their candidacy. However, reshuffling such a significant number of MLAs could prove to be a challenging task for the party.
Chhattisgarh’s Political Dynamics:
Chhattisgarh, a central Indian state, has been a traditional stronghold for parties like the Indian National Congress (INC) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The state has witnessed intense political rivalry between these two parties over the years. With the state assembly elections approaching, both parties are gearing up to woo voters with promising manifestos and dynamic leadership.
The Congress Dilemma:
The decision to drop sitting MLAs comes amidst internal surveys that have pointed out that around 25 out of the party’s 71 legislators in Chhattisgarh are plagued by a negative public image. However, this move presents a significant challenge to the Congress, considering its historical aversion to replacing a large number of sitting MLAs and the scarcity of suitable replacements.
CM Bhupesh Baghel’s Support:
Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, a prominent Congress leader in Chhattisgarh, was instrumental in urging the party leadership to undertake this strategic move. While there were initial concerns about the CM’s support for dropping his loyalists, Baghel’s green signal has encouraged the party to seriously consider this major shakeup. The central election committee of the All India Congress Committee (AICC), in a recent meeting, discussed the identified seats but the decision remains inconclusive.
Potential Implications:
The upcoming state elections in Chhattisgarh will be closely watched as the Congress party believes it will return to power after five years of the Baghel government. However, the decision to drop MLAs with negative public perception may lead to significant shifts in the political landscape. If the Congress successfully replaces the criticized MLAs with fresh and credible faces, it might enhance the party’s chances of success.
Conclusion:
The Congress party’s proposal to drop 25 MLAs with negative public image in Chhattisgarh reflects their determination to align themselves with the changing political dynamics of the state. As the upcoming state elections approach, it remains to be seen how the party will manage the intricacies of replacing such a significant number of legislators. The reshuffling of the party’s candidates indicates their intent to regain power in Chhattisgarh and address concerns surrounding the perceived negative image of some of their MLAs. The political climate in the state is undoubtedly witnessing a transformation, and these developments will shape the future of Chhattisgarh’s governance.
By Harsh Rathod