The term “lynching”, the Hamas-Israel war, and a Mughal emperor have all become part of the political lexicon of election-bound Chhattisgarh. With past communal incidents influencing not just the tone and tenor of the BJP’s campaign but its selection of candidates as well, observers say that the State is witnessing the emergence of a Hindu-Muslim divide as a poll issue for the first time in its electoral history.
As the BJP looks to build a narrative against the Bhupesh Baghel-led Congress government through allegations of polarisation and corruption, the ruling party seeks to defend its turf — and its catchphrase of Bharosa or trust — through new welfare promises.
