Lok Sabha Polls: BJP Fields Vijay Baghel From Durg Constituency (Image: Facebook/Vijay Baghel)

In the 2023 Chhattisgarh assembly election, the political fight in the Patan assembly seat was one of the most notable contests. This situation emerged as former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel was against his nephew and BJP candidate Vijay Baghel. However, Bhupesh Bagel secured the Patan assembly seat even though the BJP registered a triumphant return to power in the state. At the same time, the BJP has once again decided to field Vijay Baghel from the Durg constituency for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

Vijay Baghel, a popular political figure, is currently serving as the MP from Durg parliamentary constituency. In the 2019 polls, he defeated Congress candidate Pratima Chandrakar by a huge margin of 3,91,978 votes. This substantial winning margin marked his role as a formidable leader in Durg.

Vijay Baghel was the chief of the 31-member poll manifesto committee of the BJP for the 2023 Chhattisgarh Assembly polls. There were reports that he was even considered for the Chhattisgarh Chief Minister post. However, he was defeated by Congress veteran Bhupesh Bagel.

This is not the first time Vijay Baghel and Bhupesh Baghel have clashed in elections. In 2008, Vijay Baghel made his debut in the state assembly by defeating Bhupesh Baghel by 7,842 votes in the Patan seat. In the 2013 Assembly polls too, Chhattisgarh witnessed the fight between Baghels. However, the BJP leader lost to Bhupesh Baghel in 2013.

Vijay Baghel had a vital role in shaping the BJP”s strategies for the 2023 Chhattisgarh polls. The BJP has decided to field Vijay Baghel once again as the candidate, considering his popularity in Durg constituency and among the youth.