Team News Riveting
Raipur, July 12
The All India Congress Committee (AICC) on Wednesday made a major organisational change in the poll-bound Chhattisgarh, replacing Pradesh Party Chief Mohan Markam.
Party’s Member of Parliament from Bastar Deepak Baij would succeed Markam. “The Congress president has appointed Deepak Baij, MP, as president of Chhattisgarh Pradesh Congress Committee (CPCC), with immediate effect,” an official communication from the party said.
The party appreciates the contribution of the outgoing PCC President Mohan Markam, MLA,” the order issued by AICC general secretary K C Venugopal said.
Markam was appointed as the Chhattisgarh Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) chief in June 2019. He is an MLA from the Kondagaon constituency. In the political circle, the replacement was in the cards following internal party politics and ensuing state assembly elections. Chhattisgarh goes to the polls in the next three to four months.
According to political pandits, the Congress high command ensured balancing the regional and caste equation in two major organisation reshuffles executed in the last one fortnight. On June 28, the AICC announced the appointment of T S Singh Deo as the Deputy Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh.
The titular maharaja of Surguja, Singh Deo enjoys a considerable sway in the region. A major part of Surguja is dominated by the tribal community. By elevating Singh Deo, Congress consolidated its position in the region.
Similarly, the party safeguarded its Bastar base by replacing Party Chief from the same region and also caste. Bais also comes from Bastar region and represents the tribal community like his predecessor.
The 41-year-old new PCC President will have a task ahead to ensure no groupism prevails with the party that can dent Congress’ prospects in the coming assembly elections.
