Chhattisgarh CM Baghel Calls Upper Caste Reservation a ‘Jumla’

Video Editor: Vishal Kumar
Video Producer: Hera Khan

Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel is considered the ‘Man of the Match’ in Congress’ big win in the State Assembly polls. From campaigns for the elections to making strategies, Baghel has played an important role. Baghel, who waived farmer loans after coming to power, spoke exclusively to The Quint’s Editorial Director, Sanjay Pugalia.

In The Quint’s special show ‘Rajpath’, Baghel said that the Savarn Aarakshan Bill is another ‘jumla’ by the NDA government. This is just one of PM Modi’s tall promises that was never fulfilled.

Do Chhattisgarh Results Define the Mood of the Nation?

Congress’ landslide victory in Chhattisgarh is being seen as a minor achievement by some people, how correct is this? Answering this question, Baghel said that BJP leaders themselves are calling it the “semi-final”.

This is not just about Chhattisgarh, BJP has lost five states. They have lost it, they are not in the race.

Bhupesh Baghel, Chief Minister, Chhattisgarh

Baghel said, “The Congress cadre played an important role. Congress is a cadre-based party, not a mass-based one”.

Baghel’s Opinion on Savarn Aarakshan

The government’s decision to pass the Bill on 10 percent reservation to upper castes is just another “jumla” for Bhupesh Baghel. According to him, the Bill is not clear.

So far, “Achche Din” hasn’t come for anyone, this is also like a “jumla”. They claim that they are giving reservations to the upper castes, but which upper castes are they benefitting? A minister of state is telling that Brahmins, Bania, Thakur will be benefitted. Muslims and Christians are also included. The Bill is not clear. Three months will pass by the time we understand the Bill.

Bhupesh Baghel, Chief Minister, Chhattisgarh

Farmers’ Issues Are Priority: Baghel

Baghel says that farmers’ issues are the government’s priority. Not just loan waiver, they have several schemes to develop Chhattisgarh.

It’s true that this is not the permanent solution to the problem. When loans can be waived for 15 industrialists in this country, then why not for farmers?

Bhupesh Baghel, Chief Minister, Chhattisgarh

On being asked about the problem of Naxalism in the state, the Chhattisgarh CM said that the previous government didn’t talk to those influenced by Naxalism. However, the current government, according to him, will first initiate a dialogue with them before addressing the problem.