THE RAIPUR-DELHI CONNECTION

A little known fact about Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel is his wry sense of humour. Speaking at the launch of Rasheed Kidwai’s book on India’s Prime Ministers, titled, Bharat ke Pradhanmantri: Desh, Dasha, Disha, at Raipur, the CM recalled how when former PM Chandrasekhar issued a statement, it did not need to be

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel at the launch of Rasheed Kidwai’s book. proof read or fact checked, but, he added that there are also some PMS who make you reach out for the history books and the fact checker. In full political throttle he also lamented that the BJP was forgetting the role of former Prime Ministers in nation building. Having been entrusted with the crucial portfolio of Uttar Pradesh election management, Baghel is fast becoming a favourite with the party’s high command in Delhi and has successfully quelled all rumours of a regime change in his state. A small aside, he is also a stickler for commitments: having given word to attend the event organised by the Prabha Khaitan Foundation in Raipur he realised that it clashed with another commitment as the President of India decided to honour Chhattisgarh with the Swachh Survekshan award for being the cleanest state. However, he managed to juggle both with some very fine footwork (or is it air-miles?) dashing between Delhi and Raipur. But guess that’s now become the story of his life.