There are fears in the Congress about plans by the AAP to challenge it in its few remaining strongholds. On Saturday, Chhattisgarh Health Minister T.S. Singh Deo added to these fears when he claimed that AAP had contacted him.
Singh Deo has had a tenuous relationship with Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel. There have been steady reports of differences between the two, particularly over Singh Deo's insistence on a 'rotational' chief minister arrangement. Singh Deo had been one of the main contenders for the CM's post when the Congress came to power in 2018.
Singh Deo was quoted by The Times of India as saying “AAP contacted me. I am openly saying that I have not met AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal. I am in Congress and will continue to remain in Congress.” Singh Deo added, “I will not join the BJP because of ideological differences… Five generations of my family have been in Congress. I am not leaving the party. It is difficult for me to even think beyond Congress.”
Singh Deo even claimed the BJP would not make him chief minister, The Times of India reported.
Chhattisgarh is scheduled to go to polls in late 2023.
