Chhattisgarh MLA Brihaspati Singh says MLAs visit to Delhi is just 'show of unity'

Senior Congress MLA Brihaspati Singh reiterated that all the rumours about a tussle between TS Singh Deo and Baghel were manufactured by BJP and a conspiracy has been hatched to instigate Deo against the strong government in Chhattisgarh.

New Delhi: Amid speculations of transfer of power in Chhattisgarh Congress government, Senior Congress MLA Brihaspati Singh on Saturday reiterated that all the rumours about a tussle between Health Minister TS Singh Deo and CM Baghel were manufactured by BJP and a conspiracy has been hatched to instigate Deo against the strong government in Chhattisgarh.

"Saraguja Maharaj (Deo) is an intelligent and bonafide leader and he wouldn't fall in the trap of BJP like other two Maharajas (referring to Scindia and Captain Amarinder)," said Brihaspati Singh.

MLAs from Chhattisgarh continued to camp in New Delhi on Saturday in increased numbers. Around 14 MLAs had arrived in the national capital on Thursday and more joined the fleet by Friday night. After 5 more MLAs arriving in Delhi on Saturday morning, the total number of MLAs camping in the national capital is claimed to be 35.

Sources reveal that there is a tussle between incumbent CM Bhupesh Baghel and Health Minister TS Singh Deo over the post of CM. It is said that when Congress swept the Chhattisgarh assembly elections in 2018 both senior leaders were at the forefront of the top post. Neither of them agreed to sacrifice their claim and thus top leadership pitched for the 'Two and a half Years' formula according to which each leader would hold the CM post for equal duration throughout the tenure.

When the first half of tenure was about to complete, Deo reached out to top leadership and reminded them about the agreement but Bhupesh Baghel at the same time reached Delhi with more than 45 MLAs by his side, thus Deo was sidelined in the show of strength. The matter was then left to the decision of the High command, but as the time of two and a half years of Baghel government was nearing and Rahul's scheduled visit to the state in the next few days, MLAs have again started gathering in Delhi.

Some MLAs said that around 60 MLAs will be in New Delhi by Monday and all of them are supporters of Bhupesh Baghel. Around 25 MLAs on Saturday gathered for lunch at Chhattisgarh Sadan and then headed to Raj Ghat where they paid floral tributes at the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri on their birth anniversaries. Throughout the day, the larger message of strength and unity was displayed by the Baghel camp MLAs.

"There are only around 7 MLAs in support of TS Baba, all of us want Bhupesh Baghel to continue as the chief minister," said an MLA.

While talking to the media, most of the MLAs who reached Delhi have downplayed it as a 'personal' visit. They have been tight-lipped about the actual purpose but the gestures and day-long activities tell a different tale. The MLAs wanted to meet the top leadership but as Priyanka Gandhi was in UP and Chhattisgarh Congress In-Charge PL Punia also accompanying her, the meeting has not been scheduled yet.

Sources confirmed that the MLAs will stay put in the national capital for a few more days and leave after meeting either party general secretary KC Venugopal or at least PL Punia.

An MLA from the camp said that the real purpose of their visit has been achieved and the message to the top leadership has been sent loud and clear. Now it hardly matters for them if the senior leaders give them time or not. They want Bhupesh Baghel as Chief Minister for the full term.