• Free electricity up to 300 units per month for domestic consumers
• Monthly unemployment allowance of ₹3,000
• Financial assistance of ₹1,000 per month for women above the age of 18
• Waiver of pending electricity bills
• ₹1 crore to families of security personnel who die on duty
• Establishment of mohalla clinics across the state
• Hiring of more teachers
• Free pilgrimage trips for the elderly
• Implementation of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS)

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)

• Construction of new roads and bridges
• Development of irrigation facilities
• Improvement in healthcare infrastructure
• Promotion of tourism
• Skill development programs for youth
• Financial assistance to farmers
• Establishment of industrial corridors
• Reduction in taxes
• Implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC)

Janta Congress Chhattisgarh (JCC)

• Decentralization of power
• Greater autonomy for tribal areas
• Implementation of the Forest Rights Act (FRA)
• Promotion of organic farming
• Development of rural infrastructure
• Reservation in government jobs for locals
• Creation of a separate ministry for tribals
• Review of all MoUs signed by the current government
• Implementation of the Swaminathan Commission report

Other parties

• Aam Aadmi Party (AAP): Free electricity up to 200 units per month, free water up to 20,000 litres per month, free bus rides for women, and doorstep delivery of ration
• Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP): Reservation in government jobs and educational institutions for Dalits, Muslims, and tribals
• Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)]: Minimum wages for all workers, land reforms, and protection of the environment

  What are the key issues in Chhattisgarh elections in 2023?

  Paddy Support Price

  Paddy farmers in Chhattisgarh have long demanded fair compensation for their crops. Both major political parties have attempted to address this issue over time. In 2018, the Congress party promised a minimum support price (MSP) of Rs 2,500 per quintal for paddy. The party also vowed to offer the shortfall as an agricultural input subsidy.

  Jal-Jung

  The provision of water and irrigation remains a major concern in the tribal areas of Chhattisgarh, particularly in the southern Bastar and northern Surguja regions. In Surguja, coal mining and environmental concerns have also become contentious issues. A newly formed political party representing tribals is focusing its campaign on these issues in an attempt to gain electoral support.

  Infrastructure

  The Congress-led government has prioritized the welfare of farmers and other social sector expenditures. As a result, infrastructure development has faced challenges in the past five years. The progress of roads and other infrastructure in urban areas could become a significant concern in the upcoming elections.

  Corruption

  Allegations of nepotism and corruption in the state Public Service Commission (PSC) selections have tarnished the image of the Congress government. These allegations could become a major campaign issue for the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

  Key players in Chhattisgarh elections 2023

  • Indian National Congress (INC): The Congress is relying on its mix of soft Hindutva, appeals to Chhattisgarhi pride, and social sector initiatives to gain voter support. The party is also hoping to benefit from the incumbency factor, with Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel at the helm.
  • Aam Aadmi Party (AAP): The AAP is hoping to make a breakthrough in Chhattisgarh after failing to make an impact in the 2018 elections. The party is focusing on issues such as corruption, education, and healthcare.
  • Sarva Adivasi Samaj (SAS): The SAS is an umbrella organization of tribal groups that could potentially affect the ruling party’s prospects in rural and tribal areas. The SAS is demanding greater autonomy for tribal areas and a more equitable distribution of resources.
  • Gondwana Gantantra Party (GGP): The GGP is a regional party that represents the interests of the Gond tribe. The party is likely to play a role in the elections in Bastar and Surguja divisions.

  The outcome of the Chhattisgarh elections will depend on how effectively the various political parties address the concerns of voters.

  Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP): The BJP is banking on its Hindutva ideology and its record of infrastructure development during its 15 years in power. The party is also highlighting alleged corruption under the Congress regime. However, the BJP has yet to announce a Chief Ministerial candidate.

What are the dates for the Chhattisgarh elections, when are the results?

Chhattisgarh is the only state where two phases of polls are scheduled on November 7 and 17 for the 90-seat state assembly. The result will be declared on December 3.