Date:19/11/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/11/19/stories/2008111956781300.htm

National

Knotty contests in Raipur

Aarti Dhar

RAIPUR (Chhattisgarh): It is an extremely tough contest for the 13 Assembly seats in Raipur district, almost all of which are high-profile segments. With voters preferring to remain silent on their preferences, it is difficult to predict which way the wind will blow.

In the previous elections here, the Congress won eight seats and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party had to be content with five. Both parties are now fighting tooth and nail to increase their tally.

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) voters could upset the balance between the two main parties in Bhilaigarh (SC) and Kasdol, while the Samajwadi Party’s Ganguram Baghel could be the deciding factor in Arang (SC).

Similarly, Virendra Pandey could cut into BJP votes in Raipur city west. He was instrumental in the sting operation against the former Chief Minister, Ajit Jogi, after the 2003 elections. He is contesting as independent as the BJP denied him ticket. This seat is being contested by Rajesh Munat of the BJP and Santosh Aggarwal of the Congress.

If Dayaram Khurana (BSP) manages to draw voters, then the Congress could be on a sticky wicket in Bhilaigarh. Also, if Ram Kumar Sirmor (BSP) catches the voters’ fancy in Kasdaol, Rajkamal Singhania of the Congress would face some trouble.

The BJP appears stronger in Baloda Bazar, Bhatapara, Dharsewa, Abhanpur, Raipur City (South) Bindrawangarh (ST) and Rajim, but the Congress is retaining its grip on Raipur City (Rural), traditional seat of the former Minister Satyanarayan Sharma.

In Raigarh district, both the Congress and the BJP can stake a claim to two seats each, with Sarangarh likely to go to the BSP. This constituency is already with the BSP.