RSS-Linked Lawyers Emerge as Contenders for New Chhattisgarh Advocate General After Prafulla Bharat Resigns

Digital Desk

Chhattisgarh Advocate General (AG) Prafulla N. Bharat has submitted his resignation to the Governor, triggering discussions over the appointment of a new AG. Bharat had assumed office when Vishnu Deo Sai took charge as Chief Minister. His sudden exit has opened the field for several contenders, including Additional Advocates General Yashwant Thakur and Vivek Sharma, as well as Senior Advocate Manoj Paranjpe. Sources say the final choice may reflect the preferences of the RSS.

Bharat tendered his resignation to Governor Ramen Deka on the evening of November 17. The Raj Bhavan has not yet confirmed whether the resignation has been accepted, and no official statement has been issued. Meanwhile, high-level legal consultations within the government are underway. The Advocate General’s office has also not released any formal response.

Earlier that day, Bharat had represented the state government in several cases before the High Court. Around 4:30 pm, he instructed his team on preparations for hearings scheduled the next day. By 9 pm, news of his resignation surfaced.

Political Undercurrents Behind the Exit

While Bharat did not publicly state a reason for stepping down, legal circles view the move as significant. The post of AG, though constitutional, is widely regarded as politically driven. With a change in the Law Ministry’s leadership, speculation had already begun about possible reshuffles in the AG’s office. Insiders believe that Bharat resigned after sensing that the government and Law Department were preparing to appoint a new Advocate General.

Bharat previously served as Additional Advocate General from 2014 to 2018 under former CM Raman Singh and was designated Senior Advocate in 2021. He began his legal career in Jagdalpur district court.

Who Could Be the Next Advocate General?

The AG’s position, crucial for representing the state government in the High Court, is unlikely to remain vacant for long. Names reportedly under consideration include Senior Advocate Manoj Paranjpe, Additional AGs Yashwant Thakur and Vivek Sharma, and other senior lawyers aligned with the RSS. Central government panel lawyers have also begun lobbying for the role.

A broader reshuffle is expected in the AG’s office, potentially affecting Additional and Deputy Advocates General and government law officers. With Gajendra Yadav now heading the Law and Legislative Department, his preferred legal professionals may find space in the restructured team.

What Bharat Wrote in His Resignation Letter

In his resignation letter, Bharat thanked Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, cabinet members, the administration, and his colleagues for their support. He described safeguarding the state’s interests before the High Court and Supreme Court as a challenging responsibility and expressed gratitude to the Governor for the opportunity to serve as the state’s top law officer.