After humiliating defeat in the Assembly election, several senior leaders of Chhattisgarh Swabhiman Manch, a regional political outfit of the State, have begun deserting the party.
Some potential leaders have already put in their papers, while speculation was rife; many others likely to follow the suit. The Swabhiman Manch was projected as the third front during the assembly election held in the state in November last year. The party had expected to win at least 12 assembly seats but it could not become victorious even in one seat.
The Manch’s president Deepak Sahu came under severe criticism in the core committee meeting of the party for his alleged link with Congress and BJP leaders. After the meeting of the core committee, Rajkumar Gupta, a prominent member sent his resignation to the party president. After that Rajendra Sahu who contested from Durg and got defeated followed the suit.
Similarly Nishar Aktar who contested from Baishali Nagar also put in his papers on Thursday, brining another embarrassing situation for the leadership. It has been rumoured that more leaders especially from Durg and Rajnandgaon are likely to quit the party in the coming up days. Party president Deepak Sahu said he indeed met Congress and BJP leaders during the elections but that did not mean he wanted to merge the Manch with those parties.
He said the party will continue to do work for the state and fight to protect the interest of the people. He cannot do anything if anybody has left the party or want to quit, Sahu said. Those who have been leaving the party do not have any issues, he said.