Chhattisgarh Assembly Polls: Congress & BJP Battle for Power as AAP Seeks to Make Inroads
The upcoming assembly polls in Chhattisgarh have set the stage for a fierce battle between the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) also vying to make its mark. The ruling Congress, led by Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, is determined to retain its stronghold in the state, relying on its welfare schemes and Baghel’s popularity. On the other hand, the BJP is aggressively pushing to regain lost ground and challenge the Congress’s dominance, aiming to avoid a repeat of the 2018 defeat.
Although Chhattisgarh has several regional parties with pockets of influence, the Congress and BJP remain the most powerful political forces. However, the AAP, despite failing to make an impact in the previous assembly elections, is making a determined effort to challenge its well-established rivals and gain a foothold in the 90-member House.
The opposition BJP has revamped its poll strategy and is focused on cornering the Congress over issues of corruption and misrule. The party is heavily relying on the popularity of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has been aggressively campaigning against the Congress government on various issues, including corruption. Modi has targeted the alleged scams and malpractices in sectors such as coal, liquor, cow dung procurement, and the utilization of funds. He has also promised to investigate the alleged scam in the state’s public service commission if the BJP comes to power.
Meanwhile, the AAP is attempting to make inroads in a state that traditionally witnesses a bipolar contest between the Congress and the BJP. The party’s key challenge lies in securing votes from regional parties such as the Sarva Adivasi Samaj and the Gondwana Gantantra Party, which have influence in rural and tribal pockets. These regional outfits, along with the AAP, are expected to pose a serious challenge to the ruling Congress.
In recent months, the political scenario in Chhattisgarh has witnessed a shift. The Baghel government has faced criticism from the opposition over alleged scams, appeasement politics, and religious conversions. The BJP has capitalized on these issues to redesign its campaign strategy and regain public support. The party has successfully organized meetings and rallies, boosting the morale of its workers and creating a unified front.
The assembly elections in Chhattisgarh hold significant importance for the Congress, which ended the BJP’s 15-year rule in 2018. In the last elections, the Congress won a landslide victory, capturing 68 out of the 90 assembly seats. The party aims to further strengthen its position by winning 75 seats in 2023. It relies on the popularity of Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, who holds sway over OBC and rural voters, as well as the impact of the government’s welfare schemes targeting farmers, tribals, and the underprivileged.
The BJP, on the other hand, is leaving no stone unturned in its efforts to regain power. It accuses the Congress of corruption, appeasement politics, and unfulfilled promises, using these allegations to mobilize public sentiment against the ruling party. The BJP aims to capitalize on the anti-incumbency factor and has refrained from naming a chief ministerial candidate, opting instead to campaign on the basis of collective leadership.
As the political parties gear up for the upcoming assembly polls in Chhattisgarh, the landscape is poised for an intense battle for power. The Congress strives to protect its citadel, while the BJP seeks to make a comeback and the AAP endeavors to establish its presence. With several key regional players and issues at stake, the election outcome could determine the political future of the state.
