In a significant move ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections in Chhattisgarh, the Congress party has appointed Tribhuvaneshwar Saran Singh Deo (TS Deo) as the Deputy Chief Minister of the state.
The announcement was made during a review meeting held at the Congress headquarters in Delhi. This decision comes as a strategic step by Congress to counter factionalism within the party and strengthen its position for a second term in Chhattisgarh.
The Meeting and the Announcement
During the review meeting at Congress headquarters, TS Singhdeo’s appointment as the Deputy Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh was officially announced.
Congress general secretary KC Venugopal stated that the party president, Mallikarjun Kharge, approved the proposal recognizing Singhdeo’s loyalty, leadership, and administrative skills.
Being a seasoned politician and an able administrator, his service as Deputy CM is expected to greatly benefit the state.
Immediately after his appointment, TS Singhdeo dismissed media reports about any agreement on a rotational chief ministership in Chhattisgarh. He clarified that the news was merely a buzz created by the media and refrained from commenting further.
Bhupesh Baghel, the current Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, congratulated TS Singhdeo on his appointment and expressed unity by sharing a picture of the two leaders together, stating, “We are ready.”
This display of solidarity within the Congress party aims to project a strong image and consolidate its position ahead of the elections.
Who Is TS Deo?
Tribhuvaneshwar Saran Singh Deo, hailing from the royal family of Surguja, Chhattisgarh, was born on October 31, 1952. Fondly known as the modern-day Maharaja, Singhdeo entered politics and was first elected as a member of the state legislative Assembly in 2008.
As the richest MLA in Chhattisgarh, owing to his royal lineage, he has won the Ambikapur constituency three times consecutively.
His most recent victory came in the 2018 elections, securing a substantial margin against his BJP opponent, Anurag Singh Deo. Singhdeo also served as the Leader of the Opposition in the 4th Vidhan Sabha of Chhattisgarh.
During the Congress party’s rise to power in 2018, TS Singhdeo was considered a top contender for the position of Chief Minister. However, he was ultimately surpassed by the current Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel.
Despite this, Singhdeo was appointed as a cabinet minister, holding significant portfolios such as Health and Family Welfare, Medical Education, 20 Point Program Implementation, Commercial Taxes, and Panchayat and Rural Development.
Since then, a power struggle has unfolded between Singhdeo and Baghel, further adding to the political dynamics in Chhattisgarh.
How Is the Appointment of TS Singhdeo a Significant Step for Congress Party in Lead Up to Polls?
Political analysts believe that Singhdeo’s appointment as Deputy CM is a strategic move by Congress to counter factionalism within the party and present a united front.
The decision aims to address internal disputes and present a stronger and more cohesive image to the public. The move is crucial for the Congress, as it seeks to secure a second term in Chhattisgarh.
This move comes after Congress had to make a similar decision in Karnataka when it had to appoint DK Shivakumar as Deputy CM after a marathon tussle post-elections. However, Congress tried this formula in Rajasthan as well but the conflict between Pilot and Gehlot only grew further.
Now with assembly elections in 4 big states (Rajasthan, MP, Chhattisgarh, and Telangana) due at the end of this year, it’s crucial for the grand old party to stay united.
Nevertheless, as Chhattisgarh gears up for the Assembly elections, the political dynamics are expected to intensify, and all eyes will be on how the newly appointed Deputy CM contributes to the Congress’ electoral strategies.
