Observers Sarbananda Sonowal, Arjun Munda reach Raipur as BJP gears up to pick Chhattisgarh CM

BJP central observers Sarbananda Sonowal and Arjun Munda have arrived in Raipur from New Delhi to attend a legislative party meeting that will decide the party's pick for Chhattisgarh's next Chief Minister. Their visit comes amid suspense and criticism over the delay in announcing CMs for BJP's recently elected state governments.

Union Health Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, also the BJP's state co-incharge, travelled to Raipur as well for the crucial meeting with the party's newly elected state legislators. The BJP on Thursday had named central observers for Chhattisgarh as well as Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.

While denying any internal issues, observers have stated the next CM will be democratically chosen by the legislative members in consultation with the parliamentary board. However, opposition parties like Congress have questioned why the announcements are taking so long despite clear majorities.

#WATCH | BJP Observers for Chhattisgarh, Union Ministers Sarbananda Sonowal, Arjun Munda and BJP national general secretary Dushyant Gautam arrive in Raipur pic.twitter.com/MDIZQEhvyu

— ANI (@ANI) December 10, 2023

#WATCH | BJP Observers for Chhattisgarh and Union Ministers Sarbananda Sonowal, Arjun Munda, BJP national general secretary Dushyant Gautam and Chhattisgarh BJP chief Arun Sao at BJP office in Raipur pic.twitter.com/2vnZbsdJXh

— ANI (@ANI) December 10, 2023

Assembly Election 2023 results

The election results earlier this week saw Congress lose power in all three major Hindi belt states after almost twenty years in office. The outcomes are being seen as a significant boost for PM Modi ahead of the 2024 national polls.

In Chhattisgarh, the Congress managed just 35 legislative seats compared to the BJP's 54 as anti-incumbency factors prevailed. Similarly, lopsided results played out in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan assembly polls despite Congress optimism.

As the power transition extends beyond a week, the opposition has alleged the centralisation of power within PM Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah when it comes to CM selections. The BJP maintains there is healthy internal democracy at play.

BJP observers in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh

Defense Minister Rajnath Singh has been made central observer in Rajasthan along with two other veteran BJP figures Rajya Sabha MP Suresh Pandey and Vinod Tavde, National Secretary General.

In Madhya Pradesh, Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar along with K Laxman, National President, OBC Morcha and Aasha Lakda, National Secretary K Laxman, National President, OBC Morcha and Aasha Lakda, National Secretary will observe the central Indian state.

BJP’s Massive Win in Assembly Election 2023

The BJP registered resounding wins across all three heartland states on December 8, overturning nearly two decades of Congress rule. The party won 54 of 90 seats in Chhattisgarh, 163 of 230 in Madhya Pradesh and 115 of 200 in Rajasthan.

Munda clarified earlier that CM choices will be determined in respective legislative party meetings. However, final calls are known to rest with Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah.

The state election upsets are considered a blow to Congress’ national prospects under the leadership of the Gandhis. The BJP has strengthened its dominance across northern and central India going into the 2024 general elections.