Raipur
The selection process for the new President of Chhattisgarh Mahila Congress has reached its final stage, with a decision expected shortly from the party high command. After months of internal deliberations, the All India Congress Committee (AICC) conducted interviews of five prominent women leaders in New Delhi on Monday.
The contenders interviewed by All India Mahila Congress President Alka Lamba include Balod MLA Sangeeta Sinha, former MLA Chhanni Sahu, Lakshmi Dhruv, Mamta Chandrakar, and former Dantewada Zila Panchayat President Tulika Karma. The discussions focused on organisational strengthening, electoral strategy, and reviving the women’s wing in the state.
Party sources indicate that while five candidates were interviewed, the competition has narrowed down to a direct contest between Sangeeta Sinha and Chhanni Sahu. This race is being viewed as a significant test of the internal power dynamics between former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel and former Deputy Chief Minister TS Singh Deo.
MLA Sangeeta Sinha is considered the preferred choice of the Baghel camp. In contrast, Chhanni Sahu is seen as a trusted loyalist of Singh Deo. The appointment is expected to reflect the current balance of power within the state unit.
The candidacy of Chhanni Sahu carries particular weight as the Chhattisgarh Pradesh Congress Committee (CPCC) had reportedly sent her name to the AICC nearly a year ago. The prolonged delay in clearing her file has been attributed by insiders to political balancing acts rather than administrative hurdles. Sahu is recognised within the party for her outspoken nature and her success in mobilising women during membership drives.
The entry of Tulika Karma, daughter of the late Mahendra Karma, has added a fresh dimension to the race. Karma, who previously served as a Zila Panchayat chairperson, was recently appointed as a National Secretary of the Mahila Congress and made the in-charge for Odisha. Her rapid ascent within the national organisation and her presence at the Delhi interviews suggest she remains a formidable alternative.
With four of the five shortlisted candidates having legislative experience, the party leadership appears intent on choosing a leader who can effectively bridge organisational work with electoral politics. A formal announcement is expected in the coming days.
