In a surprising turn of events, the BJP has secured a comfortable majority in Chhattisgarh, defying predictions from exit polls that favored the Congress. The 'Modi ki Guarantee' pitch played a pivotal role in the BJP's success as they crossed the majority mark, leading to the ousting of the Bhupesh Baghel-led government in this tribal-dominated state.
While the BJP focused its campaign on promises of uplifting the tribal communities, the poor, women, and farmers, the Congress, led by Baghel, emphasized its achievements in welfare schemes, boasting an expenditure of Rs 1.75 lakh crore. Star campaigners, including PM Modi, targeted the Baghel government on various fronts, such as Enforcement Directorate (ED) cases related to coal levy, illegal liquor sale, and the Mahadev app.
The state assembly elections, conducted in two phases on November 7 and 17, witnessed a divided Congress in Chhattisgarh. Despite internal differences, the party attempted to project unity by elevating T S Singh Deo, a prominent challenger to CM Bhupesh Baghel, to the position of Deputy Chief Minister in June.
Interestingly, the BJP entered the elections without a clear candidate for the Chief Minister's post, adding an element of unpredictability to the political landscape in Chhattisgarh. The results reflect a significant shift in voter sentiment and highlight the dynamic nature of political alliances and strategies in the state.
