Bhupesh Baghel returns to Raipur after meeting Rahul

RAIPUR: Chief minister Bhupesh Baghel returned to Raipur from New Delhi on Wednesday, a day after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi put a lid on the simmering differences between the CM and senior cabinet minister

TS Singhdeo

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Singhdeo didn’t return on Wednesday and could stay in Delhi a while longer, say sources. Baghel had a one-on-one with AICC general secretary, organization, KC Venugopal in Delhi on Wednesday morning before leaving for the airport. Singhdeo met Venugopal later in the day. Both of them had met Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday.

Baghel’s arrival at Raipur airport was preceded by a buzz that many Congress legislators would gather in the state capital in the evening and that Baghel’s supporters were flocking from different parts of the state.

Party leaders later clarified that no meeting of MLAs was scheduled for Wednesday. The CM’s supporters – including several MLAs -- gathered at the airport, however, in a show of strength and gave him a rousing welcome. Slogans were shouted in support of Baghel and AICC general secretary in charge of Chhattisgarh, P L Punia.

“Congress president Sonia Gandhi ji and Rahul ji have chosen a farmer like me as the chief minister of Chhattisgarh. The day they ask me to quit, I will. There should be no doubt about it,” Baghel told reporters.