The BJP, riding high on its sweeping victory in the recent assembly polls in Chhattisgarh, is optimistic about securing all 11 Lok Sabha seats in the state, aiming to oust the Congress. The Lok Sabha elections in Chhattisgarh are scheduled in three phases on April 19, April 26, and May 7, with vote counting on June 4.
The ruling party is banking on the momentum gained from the 'Modi factor' and its fulfillment of promises made to farmers during the state polls. Conversely, the Congress is focusing on highlighting issues such as agriculture, inflation, unemployment, and caste census to garner support.
With Prime Minister Narendra Modi's rallying cry of 'Abki bar 400 par,' the BJP has announced candidates for all 11 seats, replacing four sitting MPs and introducing a state minister. Meanwhile, the Congress has named six candidates, including experienced leaders like former chief minister Bhupesh Baghel.
Just a year ago, the Congress seemed strong in the state but faced a surprising defeat in the November 2023 assembly polls, where the BJP secured 54 seats, and the Congress managed only 35. The BJP's vote share surged to 46.27%, while the Congress saw a slight decline to 42.23%.
Since Chhattisgarh's formation in 2000, the Congress has struggled in parliamentary elections, with the BJP consistently holding 10 seats until the last election. Despite its defeat in the 2018 assembly polls, the BJP's dominance in the Lok Sabha elections remains unchallenged.
Key issues in the upcoming polls include corruption allegations against the previous Congress government, the implementation of welfare schemes, the construction of the Ram temple, infrastructure development, inflation, job creation, mining controversies, and combating left-wing extremism. Both parties are gearing up for a fierce electoral battle in Chhattisgarh.
