One of these leaders could emerge as Chhattisgarh’s next chief minister.
If early trends could be trusted, it seems like Chhattisgarh has voted for a change after being ruled by BJP for the past 15 years.
Congress are set to return to rule the state with trends suggesting a comfortable majority for the party. However, it won't be easy for Congress to decide who will lead the next government. The party may have a tough time in choosing its chief ministerial candidate as there are many contenders within the party.
Let's take a look at five leaders who could emerge as Chhattisgarh’s next chief minister.
1. Bhupesh Baghel
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Congress state president Bhupesh Baghel is among the frontrunners for the CM post in Chhattisgarh. Baghel has served as minister in unified MP and later in the first government of Chhattisgarh also. He may get the credit for reviving the party in the state but his unpopularity and involvement in the ‘sex CDs’ scandal of a BJP leader may harm his chances.
2. TS Singh Deo
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Tribhuvaneshwar Saran Singh Deo aka TS Singh Deo will be another contender for the CM post. The erstwhile royal is the sitting MLA from Ambikapur.
3. Tamradhwaj Sahu
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Tamradhwaj Sahu and his community has played a significant role for Congress in the state. Sahu, the chief of the Congress’ state OBC unit, is currently an MP from Durg. Sahu is also considered close to Rahul Gandhi.
4. Charan Das Mahant
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Charan Das Mahant is one of the most experienced Congress leaders in Chhattisgarh. He had served as a minister in unified Madhya Pradesh and as minister of state in Manmohan Singh’s cabinet. The former state party president is known for having a good support among the party base.
5. Karuna Shukla
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Karuna Shukla may have an outside chance of becoming CM if she manages to defeat current CM Raman Singh. The niece of former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee has joined Congress from BJP recently. However, she has been vocal in her criticism of the Raman Singh government and had also accused the BJP of politicising Vajpayee's death by carrying his ashes across India for electoral gains in 2019. She may emerge as contender for the CM post.
