Chhattisgarh polls: Cong ready to forge post-poll alliance to form government

Raipur, November 26

Though both BJP and Congress are claiming to get clear majority in recently held assembly polls in State, the latter does not want to lag in number game during crucial hours and hence has started seeking post-poll alliance with the political parties and rebels of BJP who are likely to play vital role in formation of government.

According to information, senior Congress leaders have recently initiated talks with Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) at New Delhi regarding post-poll scenario. They have reportedly told BSP representatives that Congress has fair chances of emerging as largest party in Chhattisgarh after declaration of poll results on December 8.

Besides, the party is also in contact with Chhattisgarh Swabhiman Manch (CSM), Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and Communist Party of India (CPI) apart from BJP’s rebellions who contested as independents.

After elections, State Congress president Charandas Mahant had confidently claimed that his party would win 54 seats. Former CM Ajit Jogi too had echoed Mahant’s statement but refused to disclose figures. Still, the party is not ignoring potential of non-Congress and non-BJP candidates in three-four seats.

The party estimates that BSP can pose tough challenge to it as well as BJP in six seats, i.e. Pamgarh, Sarangarh, Chandrapur, Bilaigarh, Kasdol and Balodabazar.

In addition, it thinks CSM is strong in Arang, Abhanpur, Gunderdehi, Durg Rural and Nawagarh seats. It further finds NCP in good position in Bharatpur-Sonhat and Khallari constituencies while CPI in Konta.

In Jashpur, Takhatpur and Khujji seats, the Congress feels the BJP rebels have capability to change equations, while in Kunkuri constituency it fears victory of its own rebel candidate.

The party recently took feedback from its candidates in Bastar, Rajnandgaon and Sarguja regions on its vice president Rahul Gandhi’s format. The candidates in these areas have given positive sign to the party.

The party has also completed analysis in Raipur, Dhamtari, Balodabazar, Korba, Champa-Janjgir, Durg and Mahasamund areas, however, it is yet to receive feedback from the candidates.