Amit Jogi to step into father's shoes

To contest assembly election from Ajit Jogi's constituency

Former Chhattisgarh Minister and Congress stalwart in Chhattisgarh Ajit Jogi would not contest the ensuing assembly election. Instead, his son Amit would fight the poll from father’s constituency.

The Congress party Monday night released the second list of 45 candidates who would contest the November state polls in Chhattisgarh. Ajit Jogi’s name missing in the list was a big surprise though Congress observers said it was a part of a long drawn strategy by the opponent fraction.

“Ajit Jogi denied party ticket for assembly election is an overt signal that he will no longer command Congress in the state politics,” said an observer. The Congress party had hinted that he would be shifted to Lok Sabha that had substantiated the observation, he added.

The former chief minister had a considerable sway in the party affairs in Chhattisgarh. But the Congress committee in the state is headed by union minister Charandas Mahant who is considered Jogi’s bête-noire. The Mahant group had been marginalising Jogi group in the state politics.

Ajit Jogi could not be contacted for his version as he had not returned from New Delhi. Reports reaching from Delhi said that Jogi had commented that he accepted the decision of party high command.

His son Amit would now represent his father’s constituency Marwahi in Bilaspur district. The pocket had been a strong hold of Jogi family. Amit’s mother Renu contests from neighbouring Kota assembly constituency and has been a sitting legislator from the segment.

Amit would be entering into electoral politics for the first time. In fact, the political turf prepared by his father would enable him to make a comfortable ride. Ajit Jogi had been winning the seat with record margin.