Chhattisgarh minister's brother quits BJP, joins Congress over ideology

Guru Dhaldas Saheb, elder sibling of Chhattisgarh minister Guru Khushwant Saheb, switched allegiance to the Congress, dealing a symbolic blow to the ruling BJP in a State where his family commands spiritual influence among the largest Scheduled Caste community.

Mr. Dhaldas, whose lineage traces back to Baba Guru Ghasidas, founder of the Satnam Panth in the 19th century, formally joined the Opposition in the presence of former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel at the latter's official residence. The Satnami community, to which his family belongs, comprises around 13% of Chhattisgarh's population and represents the largest Scheduled Castes group in the State.

Family split over party lines

The move marks a reversal of the political trajectory his family had taken in 2023, when his younger brother Guru Khushwant Saheb and their father Guru Baldas Saheb had left the Congress to join the BJP ahead of the State Assembly elections. Mr. Khushwant Saheb went on to win from the Arang Assembly constituency on a BJP ticket.

After joining the Congress, Mr. Baghel wrote on X: "The beginning has been made. Together, we will remove the BJP".

State Congress president Deepak Baij said Mr. Dhaldas' entry was just the trailer and there were more BJP leaders: whom he called naraz phuphas, a term used by PM Narendra Modi to target his critics, preparing to join the Congress.

Ideological differences cited

Explaining his decision to journalists, Mr. Dhaldas said the BJP was not acting according to the principles of Guru Baba Ghasidas. He added that he had discussed the issue with his family and there were no political differences between them despite him breaking ranks.

Eyes 2028 Assembly polls

Mr. Dhaldas expressed interest in contesting the 2028 Assembly polls if his new party gave him a chance. "If I don't contest elections, how will I serve the people? If the party gives me an opportunity, I will certainly contest," he said, adding that Mungeli, a Scheduled Caste-reserved constituency, would be his preferred seat in the event of contesting.

On Arang, the seat currently represented by his younger brother in the State Assembly, he said that he would contest from there if his brother is not fielded by the BJP.

The defection assumes significance given the Satnami community's electoral weight and the spiritual standing of the Ghasidas lineage within it.

Source: The Hindu