The Antagarh bypoll ‘audio tapes’ which on Wednesday resulted in expulsion of Marwahi legislator Amit Jogi from Congress party and State Congress Chief Bhupesh Baghel’s recommendation also for removal of formal Chief Minister Ajit Jogi from party’s membership evoked sharp reaction from Jogis’ supporters across the State.
Congress legislator from Bilha, Siyaram Kaushik, who is believed to be Jogi loyalist said that the decision taken by CGPCC chief Bhupesh Baghel was not ‘ultimate’ and Amit Jogi has a chance to keep his side before AICC president Sonia Gandhi who would decide his fate.
“Amit Jogi is a leader with mass support and without solid evidences this decision should have not been taken. If required, we will also accompany Amit Jogi to Delhi for meeting AICC president Sonia Gandhi and vice president Rahul Gandhi,” Siyaram Kaushik said.
Meanwhile, about 100 Congress party members from Marwahi which include several members of Janpad Panchayat, Pendra resigned from party’s membership after the decision of Amit Jogi’s expulsion was made public.
Jogi supporters also burnt the effigies of Bhupesh Baghel in Pendra.
Reacting over the decision, former MlA Shiv Kumar Daharia termed the verdict as ‘unfortunate’ and said that it would lower Congress party workers’ morale.