Raipur: Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister, TS Singh Deo, has revealed that the Congress party is gearing up to fight the state elections under the banner of a “collective leadership,” with Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel at the forefront. A news agency also said that if the party wins, Bhupesh Baghel will be leading the post. 

Singh Deo expressed his optimism about a landslide victory for the Congress and highlighted the party’s faith in incumbent Chief Minister Baghel. He emphasized that if a sitting chief minister has not been removed, it signifies the party’s trust in their leadership, and post-election triumph, there is no need to change the captain.

Addressing the perceived tensions between himself and CM Baghel, Singh Deo clarified that there was no real bitterness or enmity, and they were working together cohesively. The main focus revolved around the matter of power sharing duration as both leaders had mutually decided on a term spanning two and a half years. This aspect was constantly, on their minds, as that of their supporters. Nevertheless, they persisted in giving their dedication and effort with the party’s interests being their priority.

Singh Deo expressed his gratitude to the party and its high command for his appointment as the Deputy Chief Minister, which happened with the consensus and blessings of all involved. When it comes to anti-incumbency sentiments, Singh Deo dismissed any concerns, affirming that the party’s performance has been commendable across various parameters.

Notably, the government’s initiatives in areas such as farmer welfare, forest dwellers, education, English medium schools, electricity concessions, urban development, and healthcare have been well-received and contributed to the absence of any significant anti-incumbency factor. As the elections approach, the Congress party in Chhattisgarh is optimistic about its prospects, relying on a collective leadership approach led by Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, backed by TS Singh Deo’s support.