Sangeeta Sinha appointed acting chief of Chhattisgarh Mahila Congress

Sanjari Balod MLA Sangeeta Sinha to lead the women's wing until a permanent state president is finalized amid internal deliberations.

In a significant organizational move aimed at streamlining the party’s women's wing in Chhattisgarh, the All India Mahila Congress has appointed Sanjari Balod MLA Sangeeta Sinha as the acting president of Chhattisgarh Mahila Congress. The decision, communicated through an official letter from the central leadership, comes after weeks of intense internal discussions regarding the leadership transition in the state.

Sinha will hold the responsibility of the state unit until a permanent president is formally elected and takes charge. This appointment effectively ends the immediate suspense over who would lead the wing following a competitive selection process that began earlier this year in the national capital.

Deadlock over key contenders

The race for the top post had reportedly narrowed down to a direct contest between two prominent faces: Sangeeta Sinha and former MLA Channi Sahu. Sources within the party indicated that while a specific section of the state unit favored Sahu for her grassroots connect, Sinha’s candidacy was backed by the faction led by former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel.

The decision to appoint Sinha as the 'in-charge' (acting president) suggests a strategic middle path taken by the high command to maintain balance within the state unit while ensuring the organization remains functional during the transition period.

The Delhi interview process

The selection process was set in motion in January when a high-level meeting and interview session were conducted in Delhi. Under the supervision of National President Alka Lamba, five senior women leaders from Chhattisgarh presented their vision for the wing.

The contenders included former minister Anila Bhendia, Sangeeta Sinha, Channi Sahu, Mamata Chandrakar, and Tulika Karma. Since those interviews, the state unit had been awaiting a final word, with the delay sparking various rounds of speculation in Raipur’s political circles.

Profile of the new appointee

Sangeeta Sinha, a graduate from a government college in Dhamtari, represents the Sanjari Balod constituency. Despite the seat being unreserved, she has maintained a strong hold over the region and was previously recognized with the 'Best MLA' award for her legislative contributions.

Beyond her role as a legislator, Sinha has served as a member of the Chhattisgarh Housing Board. Shortly after the official announcement on Tuesday, she met with former CM Bhupesh Baghel to discuss the roadmap for the Mahila Congress in the coming months.

Focus on ground mobilization

The appointment comes at a time when the Congress is looking to sharpen its attack on the ruling BJP government. Sources suggest that Sinha's immediate priority will be to galvanize women workers at the block and district levels.

"The focus will be on taking the party's guarantees to every household," a senior leader said on condition of anonymity. The Mahila Congress is expected to play a crucial role in highlighting issues such as inflation and the implementation of state-run welfare schemes for women, which have become a primary battleground for both parties.

Pilot slams BJP's 'show'

Simultaneously, State In-charge Sachin Pilot addressed a key organizational meeting, where he criticized the government’s approach toward women's representation. Referring to recent legislative sessions, Pilot termed the special session on the Women's Reservation Bill as a "mere show."

He urged party workers to go door-to-door to "expose the hypocrisy" of the BJP. With Sinha now at the helm of the women's wing, the Congress intends to integrate these political campaigns with ground-level outreach, ensuring that the Mahila Congress remains the frontline of the party's offensive in Chhattisgarh.