Inclusion of Chhattisgarh’s Tamradhwaj Sahu in Congress Working Committee Underscores OBC Representation and Dedicated Service

Dispatch News.

The Congress Party announced Working Committee members (CWC) today, comprising 39 names, with only Tamradhwaj Sahu representing Chhattisgarh. Additionally, Chhattisgarh Congress in-charge Kumari Selja is in the CWC. Furthermore, Phoolodevi has been appointed a permanent member of Mallikarjun Kharge’s team, which consists of 18 Congress leaders.

Tamradhwaj Sahu is recognised as the party’s OBC face and secured the Durg Lok Sabha seat during the 2014 Lok Sabha elections amidst the Modi wave. He enjoys the trust of the high command due to his composed and unpretentious nature, and he has maintained a controversy-free record.

Tamradhwaj Sahu holds prominence as a significant OBC representative within the Congress. He previously served as the National OBC President in the AICC. After the 2018 elections in Chhattisgarh, his name was among the four being discussed. Although Bhupesh Baghel was appointed as Chief Minister, Tamradhwaj Sahu displayed no dissatisfaction and readily accepted the role of minister. His unwavering loyalty to the party has strengthened the leadership’s confidence in him.

Tamradhwaj Sahu, Chhattisgarh’s Home Minister, is a representative of the state’s largest vote bank, the Sahu Samaj, which constitutes more than 40 per cent of the population. Notably, the Sahu community holds a strong social position and constitutes a majority within the OBC category in Chhattisgarh politics.

About Tamradhwaj Sahu: Hailing from an agricultural background, he currently serves as the Home Minister in the Chhattisgarh government. His political journey began in the Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly between 1998 and 2000. Upon Chhattisgarh’s formation, Sahu won the 2003 and 2008 Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly elections. He served as a minister in the Chhattisgarh government from 2000 to 2003. However, he faced defeat in the 2013 elections but rebounded by securing a victory in the subsequent Lok Sabha elections from the Durg seat in 2014. His consistent dedication earned him recognition, and he has been instrumental in key positions within the Congress, including the Chhattisgarh OBC Morcha and the Central Working Committee.

In 2018, Tamradhwaj Sahu reclaimed the Durg Assembly seat by defeating the BJP’s Jogeshwar Sahu by 27,112 votes. His tranquil and unassuming demeanour has contributed to his positive reputation, making him a trusted ally of Rahul Gandhi.

Key Milestones in Tamradhwaj Sahu’s Political Career:

• 1998–2000: Elected as a Member of the Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly from Dhamdha, defeating the BJP’s Labhchand Bafna.
• 2000–2003: Appointed State Education and Water Resources Minister of the Chhattisgarh Government after Chhattisgarh’s formation.
• 2003: Won the assembly election from Dhamdha constituency by defeating the BJP’s Jageshwar Sahu.
• 2008: Secured victory from the Bemetara constituency in the Chhattisgarh assembly elections, defeating the BJP’s Awadhesh Singh Chandel.
• 2014: Emerged victorious in the Durg Lok Sabha elections by defeating the BJP’s Saroj Pandey.
• 2018: Reclaimed the Durg assembly seat, defeating the BJP’s Jogeshwar Sahu.

From the Congress’ political standpoint, Chhattisgarh holds a significant position. The Chhattisgarh model has garnered nationwide attention, with prominent leaders like Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi campaigning extensively in the state. The Chhattisgarh model has been discussed and admired in public forums, showcasing the party’s achievements. Despite the anticipation of three to four names from Chhattisgarh joining Kharge’s new team, the high command expressed its confidence in only two individuals.