Chhattisgarh polls: as BJP defies predictions, what went wrong for Congress | Explained

BJP has defied all predictions to dismantle Bhupesh Baghel-led Congress government in Chhattisgarh. The Congress' debacle can be attributed to various factors, including tensions at the highest level of state leadership as well as the allegations of corruption against the government.

NO TAKERS FOR BAGHEL’S MAHADEV APP DEFENCE

Days before the elections, the Enforcement Directorate linked CM Bhupesh Baghel to the alleged Mahadev betting app scam case. BJP used this opportunity to attack the Congress in all rallies.

Apart from the Mahadev app controversy, the ED has is also probing other alleged scams such as those related to the paddy, excise, mining and coal levy.

CONGRESS FACTIONAL FEUD HIT ELECTION PROSPECTS

The rivalry between Baghel and his deputy TS Singhdeo for the top post could not be hidden and the BJP took full advantage of it. BJP's chief campaigner PM Narendra Modi in his rallies frequently took potshots at the Congress leadership.

CENTRE’S KISAN DOLE A HIT WITH FARMERS

Despite tall promises by the Congress to get farmers excellent value for their crop, it appears that Centre's PM Kisan Samman Nidhi, under which farmers got ₹6,000 yearly, impressed them more.

BJP PROMISE TO WIPE OUT NAXALS RECEIVED WELL

The state has been battling the Naxal problem for a long time. This was true even when BJP's Raman Singh-led government ruled the state for years. However, Home Minister Amit Shah took it upon himself to convince the people that only his party can root out the menace.

CONGRESS’ FAILURE TO BAN LIQUOR COST DEAR

In the 2018 assembly election, Congress had promised to ban liquor in the state, a move to gain support of the women voters. However, the promise was never realised and the BJP did not miss the opportunity to remind the voters of this failed promise.