Raipur
The Chhattisgarh Sahu Samaj has expressed strong resentment against former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel for his recent remarks comparing Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao to a monkey. The community has issued a 10-day ultimatum to Baghel to tender an apology, failing which they have threatened to launch a state-wide agitation.
The controversy stems from a statement made by Baghel during his visit to the Lingiyadih area in Bilaspur on 29 December 2025. Addressing a gathering in support of locals protesting against a demolition drive, the Congress leader used a folk allegory to target the Deputy Chief Minister. Speaking in Chhattisgarhi, Baghel reportedly said,
“All the kings of the forest met and made the monkey the king,”
implying that Arun Sao’s appointment was a compromise.
Community serves ultimatum
State President of the Sahu Samaj, Nirendra Sahu, has directed all district presidents to submit memorandums to their respective Superintendents of Police (SP) protesting the remark. The community leaders stated that the comment is an insult to their “pride,” as Arun Sao is a prominent leader from the Sahu community.
“Bhupesh Baghel must apologise within 10 days or withdraw his statement. If he fails to do so, the society will be forced to launch a protest,” Nirendra Sahu said.
He is scheduled to address a press conference on 5 January to announce the further course of action.
Political war of words
Baghel’s attack in Bilaspur was not limited to the allegory. He criticised the performance of departments under the Deputy Chief Minister, including PWD and Public Health Engineering (Jal Jeevan Mission). He alleged that only 950 metres of road had been constructed in two years and questioned the government’s priorities regarding the development of a garden in Lingiyadih.
Responding to the remarks, Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao called for maintaining decorum in political discourse.
“A leader of his seniority should maintain the dignity of words. He has served as the Chief Minister and should know what kind of language is appropriate. Political comments are one thing, but such language in politics is inexcusable,” Sao said.
The Sahu community’s mobilisation adds a significant caste dimension to the ongoing political tussle between the BJP and the Congress in Chhattisgarh, as the community holds considerable influence in the state’s electoral politics.
