The Chhattisgarh Assembly Election results 2023 will be out on Sunday. Based on the exit poll findings, the India Today-Axis My India exit poll indicated a closely contested electoral battle between the BJP and Congress in Chhattisgarh. The survey suggests that the BJP is likely to secure 36-46 seats, while Congress may attain 40-50 seats—marking a decline of 18 seats from the party’s 2018 tally. In the 2018 election, Congress had secured 68 seats, significantly surpassing the BJP’s 15. If this year’s exit poll predictions hold, it would constitute a significant setback for Congress. Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel emerges as the preferred choice for the top post, while former CM Raman Singh leads the BJP contenders, as per the survey.
If we look at the Congress and BJP’s journey ahead and during the polls, the INC has shown confidence in maintaining its hold over Chhattisgarh. On the other hand, the BJP is looking forward to making a strong comeback in the state. While campaigning, it was evident that the BJP had intensified its criticism of the Bhupesh Baghel-led government, particularly focusing on allegations of corruption.
Here we look at some of the key issues that could be a game changer for either party if voted to power.
Corruption in Chhattisgarh
The Enforcement Directorate has been investigating quite a few scams in the state, including a newly discovered paddy scam, along with cases related to excise, mining, and coal levy. In the course of probing the excise scam, the central agency encountered irregularities and received numerous complaints about the paddy procurement process in the state.
As multiple scandals came to light ahead of the polls, the BJP strategically positioned corruption as its primary election issue in the state. In contrast to the last election, the saffron party had initiated its campaign early this time. The first list of candidates for the state was unveiled well before the official announcement of election dates, and the second list swiftly followed the declaration of the poll schedule.
Consistent Farmer Issues
The agricultural community, constituting nearly 70% of the state’s population, holds substantial political sway. Congress has come into the good books of farmers by implementing measures such as loan waivers and elevating the minimum support prices for paddy. Through initiatives like the Rajiv Gandhi Kisan Nyay Yojana, the state government is offering subsidies to promote Kharif paddy cultivation. Conversely, the BJP aims to secure farmers’ support by emphasizing Central government schemes like the PM Kisan Yojana.
Tribal Rights
The tribal communities in Chhattisgarh maintain a strong bond with their ancestral lands and forests, integral to their livelihoods and cultural traditions. Unfortunately, the encroachment of mining and development initiatives, coupled with the enforcement of forest conservation laws, has resulted in land alienation and the disruption of customary harvesting practices. This has triggered widespread discontent among tribals in Chhattisgarh, prompting calls for the safeguarding of their land rights and the acknowledgment of their traditional forest management methods.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during campaigning in the state, claimed that for the Congress, tribals are neglected, and their plight is left unaddressed. He went on to highlight that under the rule of Congress, there has been a rise in human trafficking and the drug trade in the Surguja division of Chhattisgarh. He also alleged that the party attempted to obstruct Droupadi Murmu from becoming the first Tribal President of India.
Lack of a strong BJP face
The Chhattisgarh Assembly Election 2023 results could prove to be a close contest between the BJP and the INC. However, amidst the political maneuvering and campaigning, one key factor could prove decisive: the lack of a strong contender from the BJP. This has allowed the Congress to capitalize on the incumbent Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel’s popularity. Baghel’s pro-farmer policies, focus on social welfare schemes, and effective handling of the COVID-19 pandemic resonated with voters, further solidifying the Congress’s position. The BJP’s decision to go without a chief ministerial candidate also created confusion and uncertainty among voters. Without a clear leader to rally behind, the BJP’s campaign lacked direction and failed to establish a compelling narrative. This further weakens the party’s position and allows Congress to dominate the electoral discourse.