Bhupesh Baghel takes oath as Chhattisgarh Chief Minister
TNN Bureau. Updated: 12/17/2018 7:38:32 PM
National
Raipur, Dec 17 (UNI) Bhupesh Baghel was on Monday sworn-in as Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh. Baghel has now become the third Chief Minister of state. Two other Ministers were also sworn-in with Baghel.
Governor Anandiben Patel administered oath of office and secrecy to Baghel, at swearing-in ceremony held at Indoor Stadium in the capital. Apart from Baghel, two other leaders - Tamradhwaj Sahu and TS Singhdeo - who were in race for chief ministerial post earlier, took oath as Ministers.
Given enthusiasm among Congress leaders, workers and supporters over formation of Congress government with party’s return to power after a period of 15 years in the state, the grand swearing-in ceremony was earlier scheduled to be held at Science College ground. But in view of rains occurring with change of weather since night, the venue of swearing-in ceremony had to be shifted to Indoor Stadium.
Baghel’s swearing-in ceremony was attended by AICC President Rahul Gandhi, former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot, Puducherry Chief Minister V Narayanasamy, Minister in Punjab Government Navjot Singh Sidhu, National Conference Chief Farooq Abdullah, former Union Ministers Sharad Yadav, Mohsina Kidwai, Motilal Vora, leader of Congress Parliamentary Party in Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge, outgoing chief minister Dr Raman Singh, Congress state in-charge PL Punia, Uttar Pradesh Congress President Raj Babbar and several other leaders from ruling and opposition parties.
Baghel has become the third chief minister of Chhattisgarh and second chief minister of Congress after it was carved out of Madhya Pradesh as separate state in the year 2000.
Baghel, who hailed from a family of farmers belonging to OBC, is known for his aggressive politics. It was Baghel who played leading role in throwing away 15-year old BJP government in Chhattisgarh and paving way for Congress to return to power with over two third majority.
Baghel who had taken up responsibility of Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) Chief soon after his party’s defeat in 2013 assembly elections, took up the challenge to overcome dominance of former Chief Minister Ajit Jogi and launched an agitation along with dedicated workers of the party.