Chief Minister Baghel Responds to Guru Baldas Joining BJP
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel has offered his perspective on Guru Baldas’ recent decision to join the BJP. CM commented that Guru Baldas has been known for his political shifts every five years. Although they were willing to accommodate him with seats, his demand for a ministerial seat was not feasible given the ongoing good work of their current ministers. Bhupesh Baghel believes that Baldas’ move to the BJP is driven by personal interests and that it won’t significantly impact the Congress party.
Guru Baldas, a prominent religious leader from the Satnami community, officially joined the BJP in a ceremony held at the Kushabhau Thackeray campus in Raipur on August 22. Baldas raised several concerns during his joining, including allegations of social negligence and discrimination.
Notably, Guru Baldas’ son, Guru Khushwant Saheb, is aspiring for a BJP ticket from the Arang assembly constituency.
It’s worth recalling that Guru Baldas had previously aligned with the Congress before the 2018 assembly elections, but his discontent over not being granted a position persisted. As a prominent figure in the Satnami community, Guru Baldas holds significant influence over Scheduled Caste seats in the state.
Chhattisgarh has 10 reserved seats for the Scheduled Castes, and their influence extends to around 50 seats. The BJP’s inclusion of Guru Baldas in their ranks is seen as a strategic move to consolidate support within the Satnami community’s vote bank.