BJP forms 31-member panel to draft manifesto for Chhattisgarh assembly polls

The BJP has taken a significant step in its preparations for the upcoming Assembly elections in Chhattisgarh by constituting a 31-member panel to draft its manifesto. The party, which held power in the state for 15 years before being defeated by the Congress in 2018, aims to strengthen its position and present a comprehensive vision to the voters.

The panel, established under the leadership of Chhattisgarh BJP chief Arun Sao, will be headed by Lok Sabha MP Vijay Baghel. It includes MLA Shivratan Sharma, former MP Ramvichar Netam, and former state minister Amar Agrawal as co-conveners. The remaining 27 members comprise MLAs Krishnamurti Bandhi and Ranjana Sahu, former ministers Lata Usendi, Chandrashekhar Sahu, and Mahesh Gagda, and IAS-turned-politician OP Chaudhary.

Vijay Baghel, who belongs to the Kurmi community, a dominant OBC group in the state, represents the Durg parliamentary seat. His appointment highlights the party's focus on regional representation and inclusivity.

The BJP's tenure in Chhattisgarh, led by former Chief Minister Raman Singh, lasted from 2003 to 2018. In an attempt to regain power, the party is actively engaged in crucial developments related to poll preparations. On July 5, Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired a meeting with state leaders, signalling the party's commitment to a well-planned election campaign.

To streamline the organisational structure for the polls, senior leader Om Mathur, who serves as the party's in-charge for Chhattisgarh, was appointed as the election in-charge of the state. Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has been designated as the joint in-charge for the Chhattisgarh Assembly elections, emphasising the BJP's focus on healthcare-related issues.

In further recognition of leaders from Chhattisgarh, BJP President J P Nadda nominated Vishnudeo Sai and Dharamlal Kaushik to the organisation's national executive on Saturday. This move highlights the party's commitment to regional representation and the importance it places on the insights and contributions of leaders from Chhattisgarh.

As the BJP gears up for the crucial Assembly elections in Chhattisgarh, the formation of the manifesto drafting panel and the appointment of key leaders demonstrate the party's determination to present a comprehensive and inclusive vision for the state's development. The BJP aims to engage with voters, address their concerns, and regain the trust of the electorate in its bid to regain power in Chhattisgarh.