Congress high command in dilemma as Baghel scripts his own narrative
The Hindu
His growing influence, both useful and discomforting for the party, is based on a combination of OBC mobilisation and welfare schemes
ability to set the agenda rather than react has been on display since he became Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh in 2018, but that’s now turning out to be a dilemma for the Congress party high command, which is hoping to persuade him to step down in favour of his Cabinet colleague T.S. Singh Deo. With the State police for calling for a “boycott” of Brahmins and describing them as foreigners, Mr. Baghel has yet again seized the opportunity to remain in the spotlight on his own terms. The senior Baghel refused to plead for bail and is now in judicial custody. Party insiders say the last word on the leadership tussle in the State has not been said yet. Mr. Deo was reportedly promised the top slot by then party president Rahul Gandhi, who brokered a peace deal between the two in December 2018. But much has changed since. In the little less than three years as Chief Minister, Mr. Baghel has built an image of a strong OBC (Other Backward Class) leader, both within the State and outside it. He has been at the forefront of the party’s strategy in Bihar, Assam and the now critical Uttar Pradesh. Sources said that it was party general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s intervention that has bought him time for now. Ms. Vadra is State in-charge of Uttar Pradesh. Never one to give up, Mr. Baghel hopes to hold on. He had invited Rahul Gandhi to Chhattisgarh but has so far not heard from Mr. Gandhi’s office on the possible dates.More Related News