Congress leaders push for new state PCC president amid election losses
Following the Congress’s defeat in the Assembly and Lok Sabha elections in the state, there is a renewed demand among party leaders for a change in state leadership. Some Congress leaders believe that Deepak Baij, the current president of the Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) and former Member of Parliament, failed to lead the party to victory in both elections. Therefore, they argue that the party should consider appointing a new president before the upcoming urban body and panchayat elections.
Despite several leaders expressing interest in the top party position, Deepak Baij’s status as a tribal and non-controversial figure with no internal adversaries might make the Congress high command reluctant to replace him unless significant pressure comes from party cadres. Currently, there is no substantial pressure from grassroots workers, but senior leaders are keen to persuade the party high command to change the leadership.
In a recent party meeting, a demand was made to consider upper-caste candidates for the PCC presidency. A senior party leader stated that members can express their opinions within the party forum, and the party will consider these views to decide what is best for its future.
Among the frontrunners for the PCC president are former Deputy Chief Minister T S Singhdeo, former MP and former Home Minister Tamradhwaj Sahu, former Chief Minister and former PCC President Bhupesh Baghel, and former minister Amarjeet Bhagat who is also a tribal. From the younger generation, interested candidates include Devendra Yadav and Vikas Upadhyay. Devendra Yadav, a sitting MLA and former Mayor of Bhilai, has a strong record of electoral success, while Vikas Upadhyay, despite losing the previous assembly election, has a significant following among the youth in Raipur. However, both Yadav and Upadhyay have drawbacks; Yadav is involved in legal cases, and Upadhyay might not receive the necessary support from senior leaders and cadres.
A senior party leader remarked that ambition for the PCC presidency is not problematic. T S Singhdeo’s aspiration to lead the party in the next assembly elections could be a game-changer, though his loss in his constituency, Sarguja, might hinder his chances if his rivals within the party campaign against him. Tamradhwaj Sahu is lobbying for a Sahu candidate as PCC president, arguing that the BJP’s success was partly due to the Sahu factor and that he would be the best candidate.
Dr. Charandas Mahant, the CLP leader, and his wife Jyotsana Mahant, the only Congress MP from the state, might prefer to maintain their current positions, although Dr. Mahant would not oppose someone from his camp becoming the PCC Chief. Bhupesh Baghel, who previously served as party president and was instrumental in ending the BJP’s 15-year rule in the state, might want to wait until he clears the allegations against him before considering the PCC presidency again. His tenure saw several scams, which are under investigation, making it unwise for the party to reinstate him immediately.
Some leaders believe there is no need for a replacement as long as Deepak Baij listens and obliges senior leaders. However, with upcoming urban and panchayat elections, the party needs effective and aggressive leadership to counter the BJP. Although the Congress has lost the elections, the party’s charisma remains intact, and its vote percentage has not significantly declined. A senior party leader emphasized the need for an open discussion within the party to identify the reasons for the defeat and implement corrective measures.
The party should address its weaknesses before considering a leadership change. Once these issues are resolved, the party will naturally become stronger. If necessary, there are many capable leaders who can be appointed to the top position of the party in the state, opined a senior Congress leader.
