In a region marked by its political stronghold, Saja assembly constituency has emerged as a center of wide interest as the Choubey family and the Congress party continues to dominate the political landscape. Over the past two decades, the Congress has faced minimal challenges in Saja due to the Choubey family’s firm grip on power. Ever since the late Devi Prasad Choubey, a respected Gandhian and visionary, laid the foundation, the family has been instrumental in representing this constituency. The mantle passed on to Devi Prasad Choubey’s wife, Kumari Devi Choubey, and their sons, Pradeep Choubey and Ravindra Choubey, after his untimely demise during his tenure as MLA. While Pradeep and Kumari Devi Choubey served as MLAs only once, it was Ravindra Choubey who consistently contested and emerged victorious in subsequent elections. The Choubey family’s deep-rooted connection with the Saja constituency extends beyond politics, fostering an emotional bond with the local people. Ravindra Choubey acknowledges that their success is owed to the blessings and support of the people of Saja. However, the Choubey family has not had a smooth sailing in every election, facing tough challenges and occasional defeats. Despite this, their influence and popularity remain strong in Saja.

 

The constituency’s emotional attachment to the family, coupled with their political prowess, has helped maintain their dominance. Saja is renowned as a hub for tomato cultivation, with abundant production of papayas, bananas, and paddy. The development works carried out in Saja, primarily focused on the welfare of farmers, rival those in the neighboring power center, Patan. Notable achievements include the construction of a new hospital building, enhanced power supply infrastructure, a modern Mandi Complex for fruit and vegetable produce, the establishment of Beej Nigam (Seed Corporation), canal works to improve irrigation, establishment of four Atmanand Schools, and provision of agricultural and fishery education facilities. Despite these accomplishments, some prevailing issues have sparked resentment among the people of Saja. These include allegations of favoritism in the nomination of Mandi Samiti office bearers, delays in the fruit processing unit project, substandard construction of stop dams, and slow progress under the Mor Awas Yojana, a housing scheme. At the Jila Panchayat level, drainage in villages, the quality of domestic power supply, CC road works, potable water supply, and provisions for crematoriums have been severely affected since the BJP assumed power in Bemetara Jila Panchayat.

 

There have also been complaints of hooliganism attributed to Congress party workers and supporters. The opposition claims that the administration and police officials are influenced by the ruling party, acting as puppets. Such allegations have further fueled the discontent among the constituents. The Saja constituency is largely dominated by Sahu voters, followed by Lodhi voters, with a significant presence of Scheduled Caste voters. Despite this, major political parties have refrained from distributing tickets based on caste, possibly due to the Choubey family’s overwhelming political presence. Ravindra Choubey, who has won elections seven times from the constituency, suffered a defeat in 2013 at the hands of BJP candidate Labhchand Bafna. Party insiders attribute his loss to his diminished presence in the constituency after assuming the role of Leader of the Opposition from 2008 to 2013. Efforts are underway within the Congress and the opposition to break the family’s dynasty in the constituency. Members of the Sahu and Lodhi communities are lobbying for their representation and seeking to put an end to the Choubey family’s long-standing dominance. While there is hardly any contender from the Congress party besides Ravindra Choubey, there is speculation about his son, Avinash Choubey, replacing his father for health reasons. Avinash Choubey, who currently serves as the State Coordinator of Rajiv Yuva Mitan, has been extensively touring the constituency for the past six months, as Ravindra Choubey has been advised by doctors to limit his movements.

 

Among the contenders from the BJP, Labhchand Bafna holds the top position, followed by Hiralal Sahu (whose wife, Sunita Sahu, is the President of Bemetara Jila Panchayat), Jitendra Sahu (Durg Jila Panchayat Member), Hima Sahu, Jwala Singh Thakur, Natwar Tamrakar, and Doshan Sahu. The upcoming elections in Saja Assembly Constituency are expected to witness a fierce political battle as the Choubey family faces determined opposition in their quest to maintain their political dominance. With competing candidates vying for the opportunity to represent the constituency, the political landscape of Saja hangs in the balance, waiting for the electorate’s final verdict. In 2018 election Ravindra Choubey of the INC secured 95,658 votes to defeat Labhchand Bafna of the BJP who polled 64,123 votes. In 2013 Labhchand Bafna from the BJP was victorious with 81,707 votes. While Ravindra Choubey garnered 72,087 votes. In 2008 Ravindra Choubey secured 63,775 votes and Labhchand Bafna obtained 58,720 votes. In 2003 Ravindra Choubey won with 58,573 votes while Deepak Sahu from the BJP secured 40,831 votes.