CM Bhupesh Baghel heads to Hyderabad for Congress Working Committee meeting ahead of elections in 5 states

RaipurChhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel has embarked on a two-day visit to Hyderabad as part of his political endeavors ahead of the upcoming assembly elections in five states. The primary agenda of his visit is to participate in the Congress Working Committee meeting, which will play a pivotal role in strategizing for these crucial elections. Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge will preside over this important meeting, where leaders will deliberate on various election-related topics.Before his departure for Hyderabad, Chief Minister Baghel told reporters that the Congress leadership at the national level had convened this meeting and extended an invitation to him and other party members. Chief Minister Baghel strongly countered Central Minister Piyush Goyal’s statements, accusing him of falsehoods. He recounted an incident from four years ago when Piyush Goyal, along with Agriculture Minister Ravindra Choubey, Food Minister Amarjeet Bhagat, and officials, claimed to be offering support prices higher than the market rates for agricultural produce. Baghel asserted that these claims were not accurate, citing that the rice quota for Chhattisgarh remained unaltered, forcing them to divert it to local markets. He further accused the central government of obstructing development and causing hardships for the people of Chhattisgarh, including the Mahatari, whose access to facilities has been hindered.Baghel said that Amit Shah, the Union Home Minister, displayed dissatisfaction during his previous visits to Chhattisgarh. Baghel highlighted that Amit Shah had released a charge sheet in which party workers were notably absent, and similar issues persisted during virtual interactions in Durg. He speculated that Amit Shah might not enjoy visiting the state and criticized the current state of affairs among political leaders.Regarding the statements made by Cabinet Minister TS Singhdeo, who collaborates with the central government, Chief Minister Baghel referred to him as “Maharaja Sahab” (leader). He also addressed Prime Minister Modi’s remarks during his visit, asserting that PM Modi had made false claims. Baghel pointed out that PM Modi’s actions during his visit, such as purchasing cow dung and making allegations of corruption, were misleading. Baghel accused the PM of promoting Adani’s interests through various initiatives.Regarding the release of the first list of Congress candidates for the upcoming elections, CM Baghel clarified that the Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) meeting was in progress, and a subsequent screening committee meeting would follow. He assured that ticket distribution would take place as scheduled.In closing, Chief Minister Baghel remarked that the current political climate revolved around the concept of “one nation, one election.” He highlighted instances where issues related to Adani were raised by leaders like Rahul Gandhi but were met with silence from other parties. He criticized the practice of deflecting such issues onto others when they arose.