Run-up to Chhattisgarh elections: Anti-incumbency vs infighting

Congress plans to gain 3 to 4% vote share to end Raman Singh's 15-year rule, but it faces troubles from within and from Ajit Jogi

In the scorching summer afternoon, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh’s chopper made a surprise landing in a field near Turijhar village of Mahasamund district about a fortnight ago. He disembarked the helicopter and trudged down the paddy field for a bumpy walk.

Singh reached the village crossing the rough field, mobilised villagers and discussed their grievances. The exercise was part of his ongoing Gram Suraj Abhiyan — a social audit the chief minister has carried out to assess the performance of the government by making surprise visits to villages and talking to people.

While the government campaign is going on,