BJP launches three-day training camp in Chhattisgarh's Manpat; senior national leaders to participate; tribal outreach, governance in focus

RAIPUR: In an initiative to bridge tribal outreach and bolster local governance, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) kicked off a three-day leadership training camp on Monday in Manpat, popularly referred to as “Chhattisgarh’s Shimla.” The high-profile event, led by BJP national president J P Nadda, is expected to conclude with a valedictory address by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The camp has drawn several senior leaders from both state and national levels, including chief minister Vishnu Deo Sai, deputy chief minister Vijay Sharma, ten state ministers, 44 MLAs, and ten BJP MPs. CM Sai, deputy CM Sharma, MP Brijmohan Agrawal and MLA Sunil Soni arrived in Ambikapur by the Durg–Ambikapur Express on Sunday night and were escorted to Manpat by convoy on Monday morning. Nadda is scheduled to land at Darima’s Maa Mahamaya Airport via a special aircraft and will travel to Manpat by helicopter. Organisers stated that the camp is exclusively intended for lawmakers and MPs and focuses on professional training related to governance, policy outreach, and public engagement. Speaking at the event, CM Sai said the training will include 12 thematic sessions delivered by national experts, including Union Ministers Shivraj Singh Chouhan and B L Santosh. He added that the initiative would open “new dimensions of development” for Chhattisgarh.Local Touch and Camp ActivitiesThe camp also embraces local culture and cuisine, serving regional dishes such as ‘lakda flower chutney’ and millet-based meals, in support of the “vocal for local” campaign. The daily programme includes yoga sessions in the scenic surroundings, healthy breakfasts, interactive training modules, cultural evenings, and visits to local sites such as the Tibetan temple.Political Context and ReactionsManpat, located in the Sarguja district—a region historically affected by Maoist activity and predominantly inhabited by tribal communities—has been strategically chosen as the venue. State Finance Minister O P Chaudhary noted that such events highlight local identity and promote cultural recognition. However, Congress state communications chief Sushil Anand Shukla criticised the camp, calling it “political tourism.” He alleged that the purpose of the event is to teach leaders “how to use corrupt funds without getting caught.”