Priyanka Gandhi announces caste-based census in Chhattisgarh if Congress retains power

Raipur Speaking at the Panchayati Raj Mahasammelan in Kanker, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi made a significant announcement, stating that if the Congress party retains power after the upcoming assembly elections in November, a caste-based census will be conducted in the state. Gandhi highlighted the importance of decentralizing decision-making processes and praised the role of local representatives in village panchayats and municipalities in promoting grassroots democracy. “I have discussed with Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel regarding the caste-based census in Chhattisgarh, similar to Bihar,” Gandhi declared during the public meeting. She emphasized the need to empower local communities and recognized the pivotal role of local representatives in strengthening democracy at the grassroots level. Gandhi also celebrated the transformation of Bastar, stating, “Today, Bastar has become a brand. During the BJP government, there was a rule of violence, but the Bhupesh Baghel government has liberated Bastar from the web of violence.” She highlighted the region’s natural beauty and the purchase of over 60 forest produce items at support prices, making Bastar a popular tourist destination.

Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, addressing the gathering, asserted, “Our government is actively working to strengthen Panchayati Raj, while the previous government only engaged in looting.” He underlined the continuous efforts of the government to empower Panchayati Raj institutions and announced a significant increase in the honorarium of all representatives.

Baghel recalled the vision of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, who worked to empower Panchayati Raj and introduced reservations for women in these institutions. He emphasized that Chhattisgarh’s government has prioritized women’s participation in Panchayati Raj and municipal bodies. The Chief Minister further mentioned the successful implementation of the PESA Act, land retrieval initiatives, and various development projects in Bastar, including loan waivers, support for paddy procurement, and the promotion of forest produce trade.

Baghel also highlighted the Millets Mission and the production of 22 types of food items in Nathiyanwangawan, which aim to generate employment opportunities. Baghel concluded by affirming Chhattisgarh’s commitment to justice, mentioning schemes like the Godhan Nyay Yojana and Landless Laborer Justice Scheme. He stressed the government’s continuous efforts to preserve and develop tribal culture. During the event, Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel and Priyanka Gandhi jointly released “Ancestral Records” and “Tanabana,” two books that document the indigenous communities’ oral traditions in Bastar and community forest rights letters issued to them. The Panchayati Raj Mahasammelan witnessed the participation of several prominent leaders, including Congress State In-Charge Kumari Selja, Deputy Chief Minister T S Singhdeo, Pradesh Congress President Deepak Baij, Assembly Speaker Charandas Mahant, Minister Ravindra Choubey, Tamradhwaj Sahu, Shiv Dahariya, and other dignitaries.