Raipur. CPI’s stake in Bastar Lok Sabha seat may create problems for Congress candidate Kawasi Lakhma. CPI has started trying to make the contest triangular by fielding Phool Singh Kachalam of Narayanpur, who has a strong hold on the converted tribals. After the formation of the state in Bastar, there has been a direct contest between Congress and BJP.
However, CPI has been getting a lot of votes from here. However, CPI’s vote count has steadily declined. In the last elections, CPI had got around 39 thousand votes here. Congress has canceled the ticket of sitting MP, State President Deepak Baij and has made former minister Kawasi Lakhma its candidate. Kawasi is a six-time MLA from Konta. Kawasi is contesting against BJP’s Mahesh Kashyap, who is contesting an election for the first time. Mahesh Kashyap has been the state co-convenor of Bajrang Dal. There is a situation of conflict between converted tribals and tribals in many areas of Bastar. A major incident also took place in Narayanpur two years ago.
CPI candidate Phoolsingh Kachalam is a resident of Narayanpur area and has also contested the assembly elections. He has a good influence among the converted tribals. Political observers believe that even though Phool Singh could not leave much impact in the assembly elections, he can make his strong presence felt in the Lok Sabha elections. Big CPI leader Manish Kunjam is also working very hard for them. In such a situation, there may be a dent in the traditional votes of Congress. However, the road may be tough for Kawasi.
