Disquiet in Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh over ‘outsiders’ being nominated as Rajya Sabha candidates

Congress was forced to defend its choices in Chhattisgarh after stinging comments while an independent who is crucial for victory in Rajasthan sought a ‘rethink’

The decision of the Congress to field ‘outsiders’ from party-ruled Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections may be an act of assertion by the Gandhis but there was a sense disquiet in these States that go to Assembly polls in the latter part of 2023.

On Monday, the Congress in Chhattisgarh was forced to defend its choice of nominees after former Chief Minister and BJP leader Dr. Raman Singh called it an ‘insult’ to the State that no local leader was found suitable for a Rajya Sabha berth.

“Outsiders are going to the Rajya Sabha, people are left to collect gobar (cowdung) and Congressmen from the State are left to eat Bore Basi (soaked rice),” Dr. Singh said in a statement.

Interestingly, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, who plays on Chhattisgarhi pride as his main political plank, stayed away from congratulating the nominees on social media platforms even though party spokesperson defended the move

And in Rajasthan, an independent MLA, whose vote will be crucial for ensuring the victory of all the Congress candidates, asked for a ‘rethink’.

Many leaders privately argued that the imposition of candidates, close to the Gandhi siblings, also reflected the weak position of Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and his Chhattisgarh counterpart following a leadership tussle in the States.