Posturing to maintain balance on Congress' seesaw in Chhattisgarh

T S Singh Deo reminds central party of its promise to make him CM for half the government's term. But Bhupesh Baghel deflects it. R Krishna Das on the political rumblings

What is Chhattisgarh Chief Minister (CM) Bhupesh Baghel’s biggest talent? Turning crises into opportunities.

During the Congress’ 85th plenary session held in the Chhattisgarh capital in February this year, Baghel planned a historic welcome for former Congress presidents Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi. Both landed in Raipur on February 24. The newly elected Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge was, however, missing from the list.

On grounds of Sonia’s ill health, the event was back-burnered since Rahul, too, showed little interest. The following day, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra arrived and Baghel’s supporters rolled out a carpet of rose petals for the Congress general