Congress appoints Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel as UP poll observer

Earlier this year, Baghel was appointed as observer of Assam assembly elections, in which Congress won 50 out of 126 seats.

Updated on: Oct 3, 2021, 04:38:06 IST

By Ritesh Mishra, Raipur

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

The Congress party on Saturday appointed Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel as observer for the upcoming assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh, even as 25 lawmakers from the state camp in the capital amid speculation that there might be a change of guard in the central Indian state.

Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel’s supporters say the appointment reflects the party high command’s faith in him. (Sanjeev Verma/HT PHOTO)

“Honorable National President Sonia Gandhi ji has instructed me to be the party observer for the Uttar Pradesh assembly elections… It is a big responsibility and I will try my best to live up to the expectations of the top leadership,” Baghel tweeted.

Earlier this year, Baghel was appointed as observer of Assam assembly elections, in which Congress won 50 out of 126 seats.

The Congress high command on August 28 held back its decision over the reported power-sharing agreement between Baghel and health minister TS Singh Deo.

It is unclear how the latest development will affect political equations in Chhattisgarh. Baghel’s supporters say the appointment reflects the party high command’s faith in him, while Singh Deo’s supporters are hoping for a change in the state government. “Baghel’s ji appointment is positive indication amid the current political scenario of the state… Secondly, the move also puts a halt on any type of speculation about change of guard (in Chhattisgarh),” a leader close to Baghel said.

People close to Singh Deo said the appointment should not be seen as a relief for Baghel. “It is still not clear from today’s appointment whether it is some kind of package deal or a promotion of Baghel ji,” a Congress leader close to Singh Deo said on condition of anonymity.

More than 25 MLAs close to Baghel are camping in Delhi to express solidarity.

Meanwhile, Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Saturday appointed additional office-bearers in the party’s Chhattisgarh unit, replacing four vice-presidents as well as three general secretaries. Arun Singhania, P R Khunte, Ambika Markam and Vani Rao were appointed vice-presidents in the Congress’ state unit, replacing Girish Devangan, Atal Srivastava, Bhanu Pratap Singh and Padma Manhar, according to a party statement.

Earlier in the day, Baghel asserted that his state can never become Punjab, and said the two states bear only one similarity - that of having numbers in their names. “Chhattisgarh will always remain Chhattisgarh. It cannot become Punjab. The two states have only one similarity that both have numbers in their names,” Baghel told reporters.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ritesh Mishra
Ritesh Mishra is the State Correspondent for Chhattisgarh with Hindustan Times. He reports on Maoism, internal security, politics, mining, governance, and major developments shaping the state. Based in Raipur, he has covered Chhattisgarh since 2016, reporting extensively from the Bastar region and other conflict-affected areas. With nearly two decades of experience in journalism, Ritesh has built a reputation for ground reporting from some of India's most challenging terrains. His coverage spans Left-Wing Extremism, counter-insurgency operations, elections, tribal affairs, environmental issues, infrastructure, mining, and socio-economic developments. He has reported on major security operations, policy initiatives, wildlife crime, and the changing dynamics of conflict and development in Central India. Before moving to Chhattisgarh, Ritesh spent eight years reporting from Madhya Pradesh, covering politics, administration, crime, development, and social issues. Throughout his career, he has reported on various forms of extremism in Central India, combining field reporting with in-depth analysis to produce accurate, balanced, and impactful journalism. Prior to joining Hindustan Times, Ritesh worked with The Pioneer and The Free Press Journal, where he covered a wide range of beats and honed his skills in political, investigative, and field reporting. His reporting is marked by exclusive stories, extensive fieldwork, and a commitment to factual, on-the-ground journalism that brings complex issues to a wider audience.Read More

Follow India news real-time updates and the latest news covered on Hindustan Times, featuring today's critical updates on Sonam Wangchuk LIVE and more across India.