Jogi not in Cong list of probable for LS polls

Raipur, January 21

Chhattisgarh Congress has prepared a list of probable for upcoming Lok Sabha elections, but surprisingly the name of former CM Ajit Jogi is missing in the roster, an apparent reason being his public announcement to go on political exile for one year.

Though Jogi had later said that any decision pertaining to his political activity would finally be decided by party supremo Sonia Gandhi and he would act accordingly, it seems Pradesh Congress Committee is in no mood to persuade him to contest LS polls despite knowing that he is winnable candidate from Bilaspur constituency.

Jogi did not contest recent assembly polls as the high command gave ticket to his son Amit from his bastion Marwahi constituency under Bilaspur district and asked him to prepare for LS polls. Jogi agreed, but was stunned when the party sidelined him after poll results and gave reins of State unit to his old rival Bhupesh Baghel. Peeved by high command’s attitude, Jogi announced to take a break from politics for one year.

Sources, however, confirmed that the list of probable would be altered a couple of times before being finalised by the screening committee and forwarded to high command for approval.

According to information, the screening committee chairman Oscar Fernandes had asked the State unit to suggest maximum two names from each constituency, but the list contains two-six candidates from each seat.

Interestingly, senior party leaders have different opinions about Jogi. Talking to Metro India, PCC president Bhupesh Baghel sarcastically said he was too junior to tell Jogi what to do and what not to do. “He is one of the seniormost leaders of our party. Let the party president herself decide whether he should contest polls or take a sabbatical for one year,” he added.

Contrarily, former PCC chief and union minister of state for agriculture and food processing industries Charandas Mahant feels that Jogi should reconsider his decision and fight elections. Despite his rivalry with Jogi, Mahant said he would talk to Jogi personally in this regard.

Leader of the opposition in State assembly TS Singhdeo too wants Jogi to remain active in politics for party’s benefit. He thinks that Jogi can help the party in increasing its victory tally by winning Bilaspur seat.