Nawagarh, a reserved constituency for Scheduled Caste, is buzzing with anticipation as the upcoming assembly elections draw near. The current MLA from the Congress party Gurudayal Singh Banjare, wrested away the seat from the BJP’s stronghold in 2018, ending their uninterrupted winning streak since 2003. With farming being the primary occupation and a majority of marginal farmers residing here, their contentment with the paddy purchase scheme and other government initiatives has been a deciding factor. Under Gurudayal Singh Banjare’s leadership, Nawagarh has witnessed significant development. His accomplishments include the establishment of 22 new paddy purchase centers, inauguration of two colleges in Nanghat and Dadhhi villages, creation of a bird sanctuary in Gidhwa-Parsada, and numerous road and school infrastructure projects. These initiatives have garnered appreciation from the local farming community.

 

However, Banjare may face strong opposition in the upcoming election due to perceived shortcomings in certain areas. The slow progress of the Meetha Pani river water project, pending enhancements to healthcare facilities such as additional beds and a trauma center, unfinished silver-plated Jaitkham works, and a rise in the crime rate have fueled discontent among the electorate. The BJP aims to capitalise on these issues to sway voters and reclaim the seat. One long-awaited project that remains incomplete is the construction of a small-scale Ram Mandir near Surki pond on Murta road, with an allocated budget of Rs 25 crore. Despite the ceremonial Bhumipujan, the construction has been delayed, and the public eagerly awaits its completion. Both the Congress and BJP parties face internal challenges. Reports suggest growing dissatisfaction among Congress party workers, which could potentially impact the election results if ground reports are disregarded when distributing tickets. Similarly, the BJP is also grappling with internal conflicts and the task of persuading rebels to support the party’s chosen candidate. Since the Congress government assumed power in the state, they have taken steps to preserve the local culture. The annual state-level ‘Panthi Nritya’ competition held in Nawagarh showcases the region’s rich cultural heritage. With a budget of Rs 2 crore, the event has been grandly organised, attracting participants and enthusiasts alike.

 

In the race for the Congress ticket, Gurudayal Singh Banjare, the incumbent MLA, is a strong contender. Shashiprabha Gayakwad, daughter of former Congress leader late Derhu Prasad Ghritlahare (who later joined the Chhattisgarh Swabhiman Manch), is also vying for the ticket. Other candidates in contention include Sushila Joshi, Anjali Markandey, and Vijay Baghel. From the BJP camp, the frontrunners for the ticket are Dayaldas Baghel, a three-time MLA, Dayawant Dharbandhe, backed by the RSS, and Devadas Chaturvedi, a former Jila Panchayat Vice President. Dr Jagjeevan Khare and Nemidas Sonwami are also competing for the party ticket. In the 2018 election, Gurudayal Singh Banjare of the INC secured 85,779 votes, defeating BJP Minister Dayaldas Baghel. BSP candidate Omprakash Batchpayi put up an impressive performance, securing 18,576 votes.

 

In 2013, Dayaldas Baghel emerged victorious with 69,447 votes, defeating his closest rival, Derhu Prasad Ghritlahre of the CSM, who garnered 42,254 votes. Both the INC and BSP received 19,234 and 16,075 votes, respectively. The division of votes played a crucial role in securing the BJP candidate’s victory. Dayaldas Baghel’s winning streak began in 2003 and continued until 2018 when it was halted by Gurudayal Singh Banjare’s triumph. As Nawagarh braces itself for yet another closely contested election, the issues of development, pending projects, and internal party dynamics will shape the outcome. The BJP seeks to regain its dominance, while the Congress aims to solidify its hold over the constituency. With the interests of marginalised farmers and the preservation of cultural heritage at stake, the constituents eagerly await the results that will determine the path ahead for Nawagarh.