In a strategic political move, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has orchestrated a calculated balancing act in Chhattisgarh by appointing Vishnu Deo Sai, a tribal leader, as Chief Minister, flanked by two deputies to align with the state’s diverse caste demographics.
Sai’s elevation as Chhattisgarh’s Chief Minister will be complemented by the appointment of two deputies – Arun Sao, representing the Other Backward Classes (OBCs), and Vijay Sharma, a Brahmin. This triad aims to ensure inclusive governance and mitigate factional disputes within the party.
Acknowledging the vast experience of Raman Singh, who governed the state for 15 years, the BJP leadership has entrusted him with the pivotal role of Assembly Speaker. Singh, a Rajput leader, was also a contender for the Chief Ministerial post this time, reflecting the party’s recognition of his influential role in the BJP’s 2024 campaign.
The BJP’s careful selection process for Chhattisgarh involved a week of deliberations, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of having a tribal leader at the state’s helm. The party’s sweeping victory in tribal-dominated regions, securing all 14 assembly seats in Surguja and eight of 12 in Bastar, reinforced its decision-making.
The inclusion of Arun Sao, who was also a frontrunner for the top position, alongside Raman Singh, aims to curtail factionalism within the party, showcasing the BJP’s endeavor to maintain internal harmony and unity.
Vijay Sharma, a key party figure and close confidant of Raman Singh, adds another layer to the leadership dynamics. His recent triumph against prominent Congress leader Mohamad Akbar in the Kawardha constituency by a significant margin solidifies his position within the BJP’s strategic setup.
The BJP’s emphasis on diversity and representation extends further, aiming to accommodate the OBC community, a substantial segment of Chhattisgarh’s populace, with the appointment of an OBC Deputy Chief Minister, affirming its commitment to inclusivity and equitable governance.
While BJP asserts Vishnu Deo Sai’s claim as Chhattisgarh’s first tribal Chief Minister, this move also reflects the party’s historical contradictions regarding Ajit Jogi’s tribal status. Jogi’s Scheduled Tribe claim faced scrutiny in the Chhattisgarh High Court, prompting the establishment of a committee to investigate the matter.
In 2019, a case ensued against Jogi following the rejection of his tribal status claim by a government-appointed committee, further highlighting the intricacies of tribal identity in the state’s political landscape.
The BJP’s calibrated caste-based appointments signal a nuanced approach to governance, setting the tone for political representation and collective leadership in Chhattisgarh.
