Tensions flared at a Congress workers’ meeting in Rajnandgaon on Monday as former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel encountered unexpected criticism from one of his party members.

Surinder Dau, a district panchayat member and a long-time Congress worker, took the stage and publicly rebuked Congress’s previous government in Chhattisgarh led by Bhupesh Baghel, accusing it of neglecting grassroots workers and prioritising a select few.

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In his impassioned speech, Dau lamented, “During the 5 years of our party’s government, we were most affected. It was difficult to meet the chief minister. At that time, party workers were being ignored. Now, with the dates for the Lok Sabha elections declared, we are being remembered again.” His words, captured on video, quickly spread across social media platforms, sparking discussions of potential disciplinary action by the Congress party.

It is worth mentioning that the dates for the Lok Sabha elections have been announced. Polling will be held in Chhattisgarh in three phases. Congress has nominated ex-CM Bhupesh Baghel from the Rajnandgaon constituency. Bhupesh Baghel is busy meeting congress party workers from different state assembly constituencies.

In an exclusive conversation with The Statesman, Surinder Dau denied any knowledge of impending disciplinary actions against him. However, he emphasised the need for the Congress’s high command to prioritise the concerns and contributions of grassroots workers, expressing disillusionment over the party’s declining performance in recent elections.

Just before the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, the video of Surinder Dau’s speech in the meeting of Rajnandgaon Lok Sabha candidate and former CM Bhupesh Baghel has become the subject of political discussion and debate in Chhattisgarh.

CM Vishnu Deo Sai shared Surinder Dau’s video on his social media accounts, criticising the Congress for its internal discord. Now, it remains to be seen whether the BJP can benefit politically from this matter in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Meanwhile, there is also discussion within the Congress camp on how the party will handle the political crisis that has arisen following Surinder Dau’s questions to the Congress high command.