PM Modi to kick off Chhattisgarh campaign

With the election campaign gaining momentum in five poll-bound states, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to address an election rally in Chhattisgarh’s Naxalite-affected Kanker district, marking his first visit to the Congress-ruled state since the announcement of the poll schedule.

In Telangana, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is scheduled to visit the Kaleswaram project and inspect the damage at the Medigadda barrage. During his ongoing election campaign in the state under Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao’s leadership, Rahul has raised allegations of corruption in the Kaleswaram project. In a recent public meeting, he even displayed a mock “Kaleswaram ATM” created by his party.

On the other hand, KCR took a dig at Rahul Gandhi, asserting that the Congress leader lacks knowledge about agriculture and merely recites scripts written by others. KCR alleged that if Congress comes to power, it will eliminate welfare schemes. He also criticized the Narendra Modi government for its approach of selling or privatizing public sector units, including LIC.

Three years after Chhattisgarh gained statehood by separating from Madhya Pradesh in 2000, the BJP took over from the Congress, ushering in a 15-year uninterrupted rule that lasted until 2018. As the state gears up for Assembly elections, with the first phase scheduled for November, Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel exudes confidence in his bid to reclaim power. He relies on his strong support base, popular welfare initiatives, and regional pride centered on Chhattisgarhi identity, positioning these against the BJP’s Hindutva agenda. In an interview with The Indian Express, Baghel discusses various aspects, including state finances, tribal issues, government exams, and the challenge of Naxalism.

Concurrently, Sachin Pilot is poised to play a significant role in the Congress party’s campaign for the Rajasthan Assembly elections on November 25. While his party counterpart, three-time Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, aspires to return to power for another term, former Deputy CM Pilot has been advised by the central leadership to be patient and wait his turn. In an interview with The Indian Express, Pilot shares insights into the Congress’s strategies and the roadmap for the upcoming elections.