With just less than a month left for the assembly elections in Chhattisgarh, the main political rivals in the state, Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party, are gearing up to garner maximum support. Both parties have already started deploying workers on the ground, and leaders are gearing up for campaign mode. While the BJP is trying to corner the ruling party on a wide range of issues, the Congress is going to people with the development work done under the leadership of incumbent Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel.

The elections for 90 assembly constituencies of Chhattisgarh will be held in two phases on November 7 and November 17. Chhattisgarh will go into polls alongside Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Mizoram and Telangana. The Election Commission announced the schedule for assembly polls in five states on Monday. The counting of votes will be held on December 3.

In the 2018 elections, Congress emerged victorious, securing 68 out of 90 seats and a 43.9 percent vote share while BJP bagged 15 seats with 33.6 percent vote share. BJP is leaving no stone unturned to return to power and has already started a campaign against the failures of the Congress government in the state while highlighting the welfare schemes of the Central government.

There are a myriad of issues in the state and BJP has already launched a campaign against CM Bhupesh Baghel-led government by recently releasing a 104-page chargesheet on allegations of corruption and scams. On the other hand, Congress is banking on the work done by the Baghel government, it is also highlighting the failures of the Modi government at the Centre. However, during the elections, the issues of farmers and tribals will remain dominant factors.

For the ruling Congress, a significant focus lies on showcasing achievements in sectors like agriculture, rural development and education. These issues are pivotal in moulding voters’ opinions and party strategies.

Key issues in Chhattisgarh Assembly Election

Farmers Issues

The agrarian community, comprising nearly 70 % of the state's population, wields significant political influence. Congress has endeared itself to farmers through initiatives such as the waiver of loans and increasing the minimum support prices for paddy. Under the Rajiv Gandhi Kisan Nyay Yojana, the state government is providing subsidies to encourage Kharif paddy cultivation. On the other hand, the BJP is trying to gain the support of farmers by highlighting Central government schemes like PM Kisan Yojana.

Religious tensions and social unrest

The rise in violence between Adivasi Christians and non-Christians has made a faction dissatisfied with both major parties. Congress’ perceived failure to ensure security for converted tribals, leading to the denial of fundamental rights and social boycotts, has created profound unrest. This could be a major election issue in certain tribal constituencies.

BJP’s strategic moves

The BJP, facing a formidable challenge from Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel’s pro-poor welfare schemes, is countering with Parivartan Yatras. These Yatras serve a dual purpose— welcoming back disgruntled members while recruiting new faces. Moreover, Baghel’s emphasis on Hindutva and initiatives like the renovation of Mata Kaushalya Temple add layers of complexity to the BJP’s strategy.

OBC reservation issue

A matter of immense concern is the demand for a 27 % quota for the Other Backward Class (OBC) population, which constitutes around 52 % of the state. The intricate reservation scenario, especially after the 2012 amendment, remains contentious. Congress has introduced amendments for 32 % reservation for Scheduled Tribes, 27 % for OBCs, 13% for Scheduled Castes, and 4 % for economically weaker sections, awaiting the Governor’s consent since December 2022.

(Edited by : Sudarsanan Mani)