New Delhi/Raipur, Oct 2 (UNI) Amid speculation of repeat of Punjab like situation in Congress in Chhattisgarh, the party on Saturday gave Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel the responsibility of being the party's observer for the upcoming Uttar Pradesh elections.
This came as a number of MLAs from Chhattisgarh are camping in the national capital, and state Health Minister TS Singh Deo hinted that a decision on the 2.5 years formula for the CM's post may come from the party leadership.
Baghel however downplayed the visit of MLAs to Delhi, and said it was not a political development.
According to Congress sources, the party high command may soon take a final decision on Chattisgarh. Deo and his supporters have said it was decided ahead of the elections that he would be made the chief minister after half term of the government is completed.
"There is a possibility that everyone is thinking about - the 2.5 years formula. High command also called us for a meeting on August 24, it is not a secret. The high command will take decision according to the current situation, no new situation has emerged," Deo told media on Saturday in reply to queries on party MLAs camping in Delhi.
Baghel however played it down.
"There is nothing to doubt, the MLAs have gone to Delhi one by one. This is not a political movement, they will visit Delhi and come back," he said.
Asked if Chhattisgarh was on the Punjab way, he said, "Chhattisgarh cannot become Punjab, there is only one similarity, both have numbers in their name".
On a question if so many MLAs reaching Delhi at the same time was a coincidence, he said, "There are lots of coincidences these days."
Amid the tug of war, several MLAs visiting Delhi claimed they were here for their personal work.
MLA Shishupal Sori said he was here on a personal visit.
Another MLA Santram Netam said he was here for his daughter's admission, while yet another MLA Kismat Lal claimed he had no idea other MLAs were visiting the national capital as well.
In Congress ruled Chhattisgarh, as the Baghel-led government in Chhattisgarh completed two-and-a-half years in office in June, supporters of Deo raised the issue of rotational chief ministership.
In August, amid the power tussle, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, along with Deo, met former Congress president Rahul Gandhi and the party denied any change of guard in the state.
In Punjab, after months of power tussle between the former chief minister and party chief Navjot Singh Sidhu, Singh decided to step down saying he was feeling "humiliated", and warned the party against appointing Sidhu as the chief minister. Days later, Sidhu resigned from his post of party chief in Punjab after disagreement with the state government over some appointments. It remains unclear if Sidhu would continue on his post, even as Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi held a meeting with him on Thursday evening to resolve the issues.
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