Cong appoints C’garh CM Baghel as UP poll observer

RAIPUR: 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.

“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 powersharing 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 vicepresidents 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.

Chhattisgarh will always remain Chhattisgarh. It cannot become Punjab.

BHUPESH BAGHEL, Chhattisgarh CM