Priyanka Gandhi’s rising popularity has scared ruling party: Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel

On his fourth visit to UP, chief minister of Chhattisgarh and Congress party observer for UP elections Bhupesh Baghel shared that Congress and Priyanka Gandhi were the only hope for UP as all other players were silent on problems and challenges being faced by people. He spoke to Shailvee Sharda & Neha Lalchandani.
Q1: You have been appointed observer in UP. Where does the party stand here, considering it has been out of power for over three decades now?
A: Sustained efforts are needed in UP, but one must remember that Congress has managed to survive despite all challenges.However, now the Congress graph is going up. We were at 6% in the last elections but are way better now. Our rally in Varanasi has been extremely successful and we are the main party raising public issues in UP.
Q2: What are the major election issues?
A: The major issues are everyday problems being faced by women, farmers, youth, etc such as safety, joblessness and timely payment of dues. Law and order and policies conducive to development are the other things.
Q3: Don’t you think the leadership should have got active in UP much earlier?
A: Priyanka Gandhi has been active for a very long time. During the first wave of Covid-19 too, she was at the border of the state with about 1,000 buses except the UP CM did not let her enter. She has been addressing all issues pertinent to the people, be it about Sonbhadra or Hathras or Lakhimpur Kheri. No other leader is taking up these matters. Her rising popularity has left the ruling party worried and scared.
Q4: Does that mean Priyanka is the CM face?
A: The party will take a call on who the CM face will be. This matter is not in my hands.
Q5: Will 40% reservation to women in elections catalyse Congress revival in UP?
A: Congress has always focused on women’s empowerment. We have given the country its first woman President, PM, Lok Sabha Speaker and party president. We brought better provisions for women in panchayat elections. Women have always imposed their faith in Congress. The union benefits both.
Q6: Will other Congress governments take a lesson from the announcement?
A: Each state has its own issues and all parties come up with tailor-made manifestos based on local needs. Does BJP declare the same issues for Gujarat and Tamil Nadu? In Chhattisgarh, we already provide 50% reservation for women in panchayat elections.
Q7: You have been criticised for focusing on UP and ignoring your own state.
A: This is not right. Chhattisgarh has a long list of achievements. Take the example of ‘gau raksha’. While UP’s vision is limited to paper, we have translated the idea into action. Even cow dung is purchased at a rate of Rs 2/kg while stubble is procured from farmers to provide fodder. Likewise, we have systems that empower farmers. UP government doesn’t welcome me because our ideas create a comparison in the mind of people.