The Congress Party has officially released its first list of candidates for the Lok Sabha elections. The list reveals 39 names which include 15 from the general category and 24 belonging to SC, ST, and OBC communities. Six contenders have been furnished with tickets from Chhattisgarh, as follows:
Former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel has been fielded from Rajnandgaon, seen as a BJP stronghold. In addition, Shivkumar Daheria from Janjgir-Champa, current MP Jyotsna Mahant from Korba Lok Sabha seat are amongst those rerunning. Rajendra Sahu from Durg, Vikas Upadhyay from Raipur, and former legislator and cabinet minister Tamradhwaj Sahu from Mahasamund have also been granted their candidature.
Source: aajtak
After receiving the ticket, Bhupesh Baghel took to social media stating gratitude towards the party leadership for instilling trust and choosing him as a candidate for Rajnandgaon. He mentioned it's an honor to represent Rajnandgaon and, with the blessings of Maa Bamleshwari and the people, the election will be fought and won by the citizens of Rajnandgaon. He extends his best wishes to all candidates.
The Political Background of Rajnandgaon
Since India's independence, Rajnandgaon has witnessed a total of 17 elections. From 1952 to 1999, 13 elections took place, with most results favoring Congress. Post the formation of Chhattisgarh in 2000 from the division of Madhya Pradesh, the constituency experienced one by-election in 2007 and three Lok Sabha elections thereafter. BJP has triumphed over this seat in all elections since 1999 (excluding the 2007 by-elections), consolidating its presence.
