The opposition BJP in Chhattisgarh tweeted a caricature of Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on social media on Tuesday, depicting him as a 'Ravan,' and declared that the "Ravan of corruption" will be burned this time, news agency PTI reported. In response to the post, Baghel stated that ex-chief minister Raman Singh and his party have a history of assaulting the backward classes, tribals, and Dalits. Assembly elections will be held in the Congress-ruled state of Chhattisgarh next month.
The Dussehra celebration, which takes place on Tuesday, commemorates Lord Ram's triumph over the demon ruler Ravan. On this day, Ravan effigies are burned to commemorate the triumph of virtue over evil.
Taking to X (formerly known as Twitter), Chhattisgarh BJP unit said: “This time 'Ravan of corruption' will be consigned to flames."
The post featured a caricature of Baghel with 10 heads and the word 'Thagesh' (the cheater) written on it. The ten heads were given names based on suspected schemes and crimes such as murder and rape.
The cartoon also shows a weapon with the word "bhrashtachar" (corruption) inscribed on it.
The artwork also depicts a guy, represented as Chhattisgarhiya, aiming at the Ravan with a bow and arrow and stating, 'Au nahi sahibo, badal ke rahibo' (we will not endure any longer, we will absolutely bring about change).
In response to the poster, Baghel on his official X handle stated: “Let it go! Abusing backward people, tribals and Dalits has been the tradition of (former chief minister) Thakur Raman Singh and his party. Earlier, they have used 'chhota aadmi', 'dog', 'cat' and many more terms. I have been continuously receiving feedback from you all after the BJP released the poster showing backward people as Ravan and killing them." The CM stated that he would like to encourage people to enjoy the Vijayadashami celebration.
"I am answerable to you, their misdeeds do not matter. For me, illiteracy, malnutrition, plight of farmers, Naxalism are the forms of Ravan. We all have to overcome these issues together. We have gradually succeeded in some tasks and we will work together again on the remaining ones. Evil will be defeated, truth will prevail. Chhattisgarhiya will win once again,” he added.
Chhattisgarh's 90-member parliament will be elected in two stages on November 7 and 17.
The first phase will see voting in 20 assembly constituencies, followed by voting in the remaining 70 seats in the second round.
There are 223 candidates running in the first round of voting.
The BJP has filed candidates for 86 of the total 90 seats, whereas the Congress has declared candidates for all 90 seats.