Chhattisgarh election presents new challenges for Congress

The forthcoming elections in Chhattisgarh are anticipated to be the most intriguing contest the state has witnessed so far. The Sarguja and Bastar divisions are the key regions that could sway the electoral prospects of the ruling party in the state. There are various factors contributing to this shift. One crucial factor is the power distribution arrangement of 2.5 years each between TS Singh Deo and Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, which has left a substantial impact on Sarguja. In 2018, Deo had played a vital role in managing the party machinery, resulting in a resounding victory. However, this time, the Congress may encounter difficulties due to the absence of the powerful partnership between Baghel and Deo. Another significant factor influencing voters is the emergence of the Sarwa Adivasi Samaj in Chhattisgarh's political landscape. The recent tensions between Adivasi Christians and non-Christians have led to the formation of a faction comprising members from both groups, dissatisfied with both the Congress and the BJP. The tribal votes may further fragment due to the entry of this third front.