Khairagarh-Chhuikhadan Gandai (KCG) Assembly, situated in the scenic Maikal mountain range, is known for its natural beauty and landmarks such as the Amner Muska and Pipariya rivers. One of the notable attractions in the region is the Singhdababa reservoir project, constructed at cost of 220 crores. The assembly area is adorned with important hydraulic structures like the Pradhanpath barrage, Chhidari dam, and various other dams. The assembly comprises four tehsils, namely Khairagarh, Chhuikhadan, Gandai, and Salhewara, each with its unique characteristics. Khairagarh has a municipality, while Chhuikhadan and Gandai have Nagar Panchayats. Khairagarh and Chhuikhadan share the district panchayat, promoting unity in governance. The fertile black soil in the region contributes to a thriving agricultural sector. However, certain areas such as Khairagarh Gatapar, Bhave, and Bakarkatta have been affected by Naxal insurgency and require attention and intervention. Khairagarh is a cultural hub, home to the renowned Indira Arts and Music University. Chhuikhadan, known as Shaheed Nagri, takes pride in the famous Jagannath Temple and vibrant betel cultivation. Salhewara tehsil boasts the breathtaking Vetal Rani Valley, the third largest and most picturesque valley in the state, with its mesmerizing curves. Gandai features captivating sites like the Deur Shiva temple, Ganga Mata temple, and the majestic Mandeep Khol and Ghans waterfalls, along with numerous other temples. In terms of demographics, the Lodhi caste holds prominence in the KCG assembly, followed by the Sahu community, Tribals, and Marar Patel.

 

The assembly shares borders with neighboring states, making it a significant hub of inter-state activities. To the south lies Salhewara tehsil, adjacent to the Lanji tehsil of Balaghat district in Madhya Pradesh. The northern border connects with Kabirdham, while the eastern boundary links with Bemetara tehsil and Saja in Durg district. Travelers often embark on exciting journeys to the renowned Kanha Jungle Safari in Madhya Pradesh, accessible via the Narmada Road near Gandai. Khairagarh & Chhuikhadan have a rich historical legacy as princely states, with politics revolving around the royal family even after India gained independence. King Virendra Bahadur Singh played a pivotal role by donating land for the establishment of the renowned Music University in 1956. He represented the Rajnandgaon Lok Sabha constituency. Following his footsteps, his wife, Padmavati Singh, served as an MLA and even held the position of Health Minister in undivided Madhya Pradesh. After her tenure, their daughter-in-law, Rashmidevi Singh, became an MLA. Subsequently, their son, Devvrat Singh, contested and won the by-elections in 1995, later becoming an MP and Union Minister. The political landscape witnessed various shifts, including Devvrat Singh's resignation from the Congress in 2018 to join the Chhattisgarh Janata Congress(Jogi)and securing a win against Komal Janghel of the BJP and Girwar Janghel of the Congress by a margin of 856 votes in the subsequent election. However, his untimely demise left the Khairagarh assembly seat vacant, leading to a by-election. Yashoda Verma, a former district panchayat member and the Congress party's nominee, won the by-election with a comfortable lead.

 

The current political scenario is characterized by the aspirations of Padma Singh, Devvrat Singh's divorced wife, and Vibha Singh, his second wife, both vying for party tickets. The influence of the royal family transcending caste boundaries is evident in their competition. If they fail to secure tickets, both parties are likely to heavily rely on the Lodhi majority for support. Siddharth Singh, a member of the royal family and brother-in-law of former Chief Minister Dr. Raman Singh, is attempting to secure a BJP ticket for his son, Vikant Singh. Other notable contenders include former BJP MLA Komal Janghel, former Nagar Panchayat President Chhuikhadan Giriraj Kishore Das, BJP Kisan Morcha President Khamman Tamrakar, and District BJP President KCG Ghamman Sahu. Dissatisfaction with Congress MLA Yashoda Verma has given rise to Dashmat Janghel, the Krishi Upaj Mandi Khairagarh president, emerging as a strong contender for the Congress ticket. Competing for the same nomination are Girwar Janghel, former MLA, Mineral Development Corporation Chairman Girish Dewangan, District Cooperative Bank President Nawaz Khan, and former Municipal President Meera Chopra. On April 16, 2022, Khairagarh was declared a separate district, Khairagarh Chhuikhadan Gandai, becoming the 31st district of Chhattisgarh. The district was inaugurated by Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on September 3. The KCG assembly segment thrives on its flourishing agricultural and mineral wealth, along with commendable educational institutions encompassing diverse fields. The political advantage for the Congress, as the party granted the district status, remains to be seen as the upcoming election unfolds.