All India Congress Committee (AICC) president Sonia Gandhi will be visiting Chhattisgarh next month to boost the morale of the party workers and strengthen the party’s base ahead of the civic body polls scheduled later this year.
“The party high command on Thursday gave her approval to visit Chhattisgarh in response to CGPCC President Bhupesh Baghel and ClP leader TS Singhdeo’s invitation” said CGPCC spokesperson Mahendra Chhabda.
Both the leaders met Gandhi to inform her about the party’s activities including a series of protests held against the State government on paddy procurement issue. They also sought her guidance to prepare for the forthcoming civic body polls. “The AICC President is likely to participate in a demonstration being planned by the party under its ongoing series of protests against the State government over paddy procurement issue during her visit” Chhabda said.
Baghel and Singhdeo are in New Delhi to meet the senior party leaders and apprise them about the party’s activities and hold discussions with them over various issues.
Sources claimed that both Baghel and Singhdeo went to New Delhi to hold a detailed discussion with the senior party leaders over ongoing tussle with the former Chief Minister Ajit Jogi’s faction.
Tension within the party had resurfaced after Jogi accused Baghel for not issuing him the membership books. In its response, Baghel had asked Jogi to furnish information about the booklets issued him in the past, it was learnt.
Sources claimed that Baghel has demanded a free hand from the party high command to lead the party in upcoming civic polls while Jogi is opposing his demand while accusing him for neglecting his supporters in ticket distribution , sources stated.