Chhattisgarh: Tiff between Dy CM, Balrampur MLA escalates

Raipur (Chhattisgarh) [India], September 1 (ANI): Despite efforts to show unity within the party ahead of Chhattisgarh Assembly polls which are slated for later this year, internal conflicts within the state party continue to cause difficulties for the grand old party.

As the upcoming assembly elections draw closer, a recent incident revolves around the strained relationship between Deputy Chief Minister TS Singh Deo and an MLA from Balrampur, Brihaspati Singh.

In a recent gathering, Singh Deo, while recalling a two-year-old incident in which Ramanujganj MLA Brihaspat Singh had cited a threat to his life from the Deputy CM, said that out of 90 seats, he cannot take responsibility for the seat, indicating his intention to distance himself from party campaigns involving MLA Brihaspati Singh. 

“Out of 90 assembly seats in Chhattisgarh, I have nothing to do with the one seat in the coming elections. The victory or loss of the party in that one seat will not make any difference,” Singh Deo said, adding that there “would be no compromise on such matters”.

In 2021, the incumbent MLA from Ramanujganj in Balrampur district Brihaspat Singh had allegedly levelled serious charges upon Singh Deo, causing a stir in the Chhattisgarh State Assembly and putting the Baghel government in a challenging position. However, Balrampur MLA later apologized, claiming that his intention was not to harm or defame anyone, attributing the incident to road rage rather than political motives.
Keeping the previous issue with Brihaspat Singh in mind, Singh Deo expressed his resentment against the MLA from the stage.

Responding to the comment made by Singh Deo, Brihaspat Singh, in a counter statement said that Baba Saheb (Deputy CM) has been entrusted with forming the government in the state, he does not possess sole authority over ticket distribution. 

“Baba is not alone, the decision will be taken by the high command, CM Baghel as well as the public,” he added.

However, talking about the list of candidates of the Congress party for the upcoming elections, Brihaspat Singh said that it will be released after the visit of Rahul Gandhi to the state.

Notably, Ramanujganj is one of the 14 seats of the Sarguja region from where Singh Deo also hails.

Meanwhile, Singh, a two-time MLA, has reapplied for a ticket from Ramanjuganj which is a reserved seat for tribals, while the BJP has already announced its candidate, senior leader and former Minister Ramvichar Netam, from there.

Further, Brihaspat Singh has made serious allegations against the BJP candidate Ramvichar Netam, saying, “Being the home minister of Chhattisgarh during BJP rule, Ramvichar Netam gave money to naxals for procuring firearms.