Raipur, November 18
The second and final round of polls will be held in 72 constituencies of Chhattisgarh on Tuesday. In these seats, the reputation of State assembly speaker, deputy speaker, BJP’s nine ministers and opposition’s bigwigs is in stake. Though BJP and Congress claim of straight fight between them, 23 out of 72 seats are likely to witness triangular tussle.
Among 72 constituencies, 35 belong to BJP and 36 to Congress while one seat is occupied by BSP. Interestingly, the BJP has fielded nine female candidates while Congress has given opportunity to 11 in second phase.
State assembly speaker Dharamlal Kaushik, who hopes to win from Bilha constituency for third consecutive time, is said to be facing tough challenge from his own relative and Congress candidate Siyaram Kaushik. Deputy speaker Narayan Chandel too is reportedly facing anti-incumbency factor in Janjgir-Champa constituency.
The nine ministers whose fortune will be locked in EVMs are PWD minister Brijmohan Agrawal from Raipur City South, home minister Nankiram Kanwar from Rampur, health minister Amar Agrawal from Bilaspur, WRD minister Ramvichar Netam from Ramanujganj, rural development minister Hemchand Yadav from Durg City, agriculture minister Chandrashekhar Sahu from Abhanpur, housing and environment minister Rajesh Munat from Raipur City West, revenue minister Dayaldas Baghel from Nawagarh and food minister Punulal Mohle from Mungeli.
More importantly, these ministers realised beforehand that victory would not be easy ride for them this time and hence they threw their full might to save their seats.
The bigwigs from Congress in fray are CLP leader Ravindra Choubey from Saja, former minster Satyanarayan Sharma from Raipur Rural, deputy CLP leader Rampukar Singh from Paththalgaon, veteran leader Bodhram Kanwar from Katghora, Dr Renu Jogi from Kota, former minister Bhupesh Baghel from Patan and former minister Mohammad Akbar from Kawardha.
The candidates who are forming third angle in 23 seats are either rebels from BJP and Congress who are contesting as independents or from Chhattisgarh Swabhiman Manch, BSP and other parties.
Former BJP minister Ganesh Ram Bhagat was strong contender from Jashpur seat but the party gave ticket to Ramsharan Bhagat. Upset by party’s attitude, Ganesh Ram Bhagat decided to contest as independent candidate from the area. The Congress has fielded Sarhul Ram Bhagat from this seat.
The BJP and Congress are also alter in Sarangarh, Mungeli, Takhatpur, Masturi, Pamgarh and Bilaigarh seats where BSP is reportedly giving them tough challenge.
In Mahasamund, BJP and Congress have fielded Poonam Chandrakar and Agni Chandrakar respectively. Since this is a kurmi-populated region, both the parties have played Chandrakar card. However, independent candidate Dr Vimal Chopra has emerged as potential winner in the area.
In Sakti, former minister Surendra Bahadur Singh from Congress is trying his luck as GGP candidate. While Congress has given ticket to sitting MLA Saroja Rathore from this seat, the BJP has fielded Khilawan Sahu.
The other seats where triangular tussle has increased heartbeats of Congress and BJP candidates are Balodabazar, Durg City, Durg Rural, Gunderdehi, Arang, Nawagarh, Patan, Ahiwara, Rampur, Pali Tanakhar, Pandaria, Rajim and Sihawa.
No comments:
Post a Comment