Disappointed with the poor performance of Chhattisgarh Swabhimaan Manch (CSM) in the recently-concluded Assembly elections, office bearers of the party have submitted their mass resignation to party president Deepak Sahu.
None of the 54 contestants of CSM managed to win from their respective constituencies. Deposits of most of the candidates were forfeited as they secured abysmally less votes. A dismayed Rajkumar Gupta, convener and speaker of the party, was prompt enough to submit his resignation to Sahu. Other members of the party are severely disappointed, too.
“The rumours spread by the BJP and Congress led to party’s defeat. People started believing that several CSM candidates were bought by these parties which caused apprehension among our voters,” told Deepak Sahu to The Pioneer over phone.
CSM was founded by late political figure Tarachand Sahu. After his death, son Deepak came to the fore and led the party. During a meeting of central office bearers of the party, members kept on passing the buck to each other for the smashing defeat of the party. Some even expressed disappointment with the party leadership. Despite Sahu being the head of the party, CSM could not even gather one percent of votes from Sahu community, they said. However, Sahu denied any change in leadership in the party. He said he would continue to head CSM in the coming years.
According to party members, Sahu’s frequent meetings with Congress leaders caused party’s downfall. Several CSM members were also disappointed over the party’s disassociation with Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP). Disheveled unity is also being blamed for party’s performance.
However, the party seems to be united toward the need of change in leadership. Around 30 bearers of the party have offered their mass resignation in a party meeting.
There also have been rumours to include members of other communities too and not just Sahu. Sahu said the party will contest the upcoming lok Sabha election and before then, major focus will be on strengthening bond with the public.
Mahesh Dewangan, general secretary of CSM, said that party has gained recognition in the entire State.However, they need to strengthen community connect. He said that probable reasons were discussed in a recently-held party meeting.