Chhattisgarh has once again become a battleground over the controversial Rajiv Gandhi Yuva Mitan Club initiative, launched during the previous Congress government. Former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel recently held a meeting with the club’s office bearers, giving them key directives. This has reignited political tensions, with BJP leaders launching sharp attacks on the initiative.

BJP’s Attack on Bhupesh Baghel

Rajnandgaon MP Santosh Pandey escalated the criticism, calling Bhupesh Baghel a "spent cartridge" and accusing him of creating a new "political shop" under the guise of the Rajiv Yuva Mitan Club. Pandey likened Baghel's actions to Rahul Gandhi’s earlier attempt to "sell love in a market of hatred," alleging that Baghel is trying to replicate a similar approach to establish dominance.

"Bhupesh Baghel is moving towards becoming Jogi 2.0," Pandey remarked, referring to the late Ajit Jogi's creation of a regional political identity. Pandey also accused Baghel of misusing public resources and establishing a parallel organization for his personal political ambitions.

Bhupesh Baghel’s Meeting and Strategy

During his meeting with the club’s office bearers, Bhupesh Baghel urged them to prepare for four years of struggle as an opposition force. He encouraged members to operate Rajiv Yuva Mitan Clubs in their villages to build grassroots support and solidify their identity.

BJP Alleges Misuse of Public Funds

BJP leaders, including media advisors to the Chief Minister, have accused Baghel of creating a "private army" through the Rajiv Yuva Mitan Club. They claim that public funds were misused to build this organization, which served Baghel’s personal interests rather than the state's.

In a social media post, a BJP leader wrote, "Even during the election, we said this club is nothing but Bhupesh Baghel’s personal apparatus funded by taxpayer money. Today, when public resources are no longer at his disposal, he has openly declared it his private organization."

Congress Leadership Divided?

BJP leaders have also alleged that even Congress members are uneasy with Baghel’s growing influence. They claim Baghel is attempting to overshadow the party by creating a parallel organization, further fueling speculation about his potential plans to form a regional party.

Parallels with Ajit Jogi

Drawing a parallel with the late Ajit Jogi, who had broken away from the Congress to form his regional party, BJP leaders suggested that Baghel might be on a similar path.

What Lies Ahead?

As BJP continues its sharp criticism of the Rajiv Gandhi Yuva Mitan Club, Congress faces internal and external challenges to defend its initiatives. Whether Baghel's moves are a grassroots strategy or a step towards regional aspirations remains a topic of heated debate in Chhattisgarh's political circles.