A six-member fact-finding committee constituted by the Chhattisgarh Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) visited Raigarh on Wednesday to investigate the alleged custodial death of undertrial prisoner Sanjay Baghel. The team met the deceased's family members, jail officials, and senior police officers to gather information about the circumstances surrounding the case, which has sparked political and public attention in the district.

The committee, headed by Saraypali MLA Chaturi Nand, was formed by the state Congress leadership to conduct an independent assessment of the incident. Other members include Lailunga MLA Vidyawati Sidar, Bilaigarh MLA Kavita Pranlahare, Pamgarh MLA Sheshraj Harbansh, District Congress Rural President Nagendra Negi, and City Congress President Shakha Yadav.

According to party leaders, the committee's findings will be compiled into a detailed report and submitted to the Pradesh Congress Committee for further action.

Team Meets Family and Officials

The investigation team first visited the residence of Sanjay Baghel's relatives, where family members narrated their version of events and raised several allegations against the police and jail administration.

Following the interaction, the committee proceeded to the district jail and held discussions with the acting jail superintendent regarding the circumstances leading to Baghel's hospitalization and subsequent death.

Later, members of the panel also met the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) to obtain official information and updates on the ongoing inquiry.

District Congress President and committee member Shakha Yadav said the panel would examine all available facts before preparing its final report.

Background of the Case

According to police records, 32-year-old Sanjay Baghel, a resident of Nawapara village, was arrested on June 10 in connection with a liquor-related case.

Officials said Baghel's health deteriorated after his arrest, following which he was admitted to a hospital. He died under suspicious circumstances on June 13 while undergoing treatment.

The incident triggered strong reactions from family members, who reached the hospital after receiving news of his death. Tensions briefly escalated as relatives demanded an explanation regarding the circumstances that led to his demise.

Family Alleges Assault

The deceased's relatives have alleged that Baghel was assaulted while in custody, leading to a deterioration in his health and eventually his death.

His father claimed that police had detained two individuals during a social event. According to the family, one of the detainees was allegedly released after money was paid, while Baghel remained in custody because no payment was made. The family reportedly submitted a complaint regarding the matter to senior police authorities.

These allegations have become a key focus of both the official investigation and the Congress committee's inquiry.

Police Action and Ongoing Investigation

Following the complaint, the SSP ordered departmental action against two police personnel, who were subsequently attached to the police lines pending further inquiry.

Meanwhile, Kotra Road police released CCTV footage from the police station to support their position. According to police officials, the footage does not show any evidence of physical assault on Baghel while he was in custody.

Authorities have maintained that the investigation is still underway and that all aspects of the case are being examined. Officials have stated that conclusions will be drawn only after the completion of the inquiry and review of all available evidence.

Report to Determine Next Steps

The Congress fact-finding team is expected to submit its findings to the state party leadership in the coming days. The report may influence the party's stance on the issue and could lead to further demands for accountability if irregularities are found.

As investigations continue, the case remains under close scrutiny, with both political representatives and law enforcement agencies awaiting the outcome of the ongoing inquiries.

In a significant development, Karnataka minister Ramalinga Reddy resigned from Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar's three-day-old cabinet on Friday, expressing dissatisfaction over the departments assigned to him. The resignation came just a day after the state government announced the distribution of portfolios among ministers.

Reddy, a veteran Congress leader and MLA from BTM Layout, had reportedly sought the Bengaluru Development Department but was instead allocated the Water Resources Department. The Bengaluru Development portfolio is considered one of the most influential departments in the state, overseeing infrastructure and urban planning projects in the capital city.

Disagreement Over Portfolio Allocation

Speaking to reporters, Reddy clarified that his resignation was limited to the ministerial post and did not signal a departure from the Congress party.

The 72-year-old leader stated that he had served under several chief ministers during his long political career and had never sought ministerial positions for personal gain. He emphasized that he would continue to serve as a legislator and remained committed to the party.

According to reports, Reddy was unhappy with the final portfolio allocation and raised the issue during the first cabinet meeting held on Thursday.

Chief Minister Seeks Resolution

Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar sought to downplay the crisis, saying there was no reason for concern and that discussions would be held with Reddy to address his grievances.

Shivakumar explained that Reddy's concern was linked to the nature of the Water Resources Department, which requires extensive travel across the state. The Chief Minister indicated that the senior leader preferred a department that would allow him to focus more on Bengaluru-related issues.

Officials close to the government suggested that efforts were underway to persuade Reddy to withdraw his resignation and remain in the cabinet.

Cabinet Portfolios Announced

The portfolio allocation notification issued by the state government assigned key departments to several senior Congress leaders.

Among the notable appointments, Priyank Kharge was given the Home Department (excluding Intelligence), along with Information Technology and Biotechnology. Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara received Revenue and Sports, while Satish Jarkiholi was assigned Public Works.

Chief Minister Shivakumar retained several crucial portfolios, including Finance, Cabinet Affairs, Personnel and Administrative Reforms, and Intelligence.

Senior Leaders Included

The cabinet expansion also drew attention because of the inclusion of prominent political figures and family members of senior Congress leaders.

Yathindra Siddaramaiah, son of former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, was allotted the Urban Development Department. Several other senior ministers received key responsibilities linked to infrastructure, industry, health, and rural development.

BJP Win in Bengal May Fast-Track Ayushman, Labour Codes

After BJP’s Bengal victory, rollout of Ayushman Bharat and labour codes likely as Centre-state alignment removes policy roadblocks

In a decisive political shift, Bharatiya Janata Party’s victory in West Bengal is expected to unlock the implementation of several long-pending central schemes, including Ayushman Bharat and the four labour codes. The party crossed the majority mark comfortably in the Assembly elections, with counting concluding on May 4, setting the stage for closer coordination with the Centre.

For years, friction between the state government led by Mamata Banerjee and the Union government under Narendra Modi had slowed or stalled the rollout of key welfare and regulatory programmes. With a BJP-led administration now in place, officials indicate that policy alignment could translate into faster execution on the ground.

Healthcare push expected

One of the immediate focus areas is Ayushman Bharat, the Centre’s flagship health insurance scheme formally known as the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY). West Bengal had previously opted out of full participation, relying instead on its own health coverage programme.

According to officials familiar with the matter, the new government is likely to revisit the decision, potentially bringing lakhs of eligible families under the central scheme’s umbrella. If implemented fully, beneficiaries would be entitled to annual health coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per family.

Access beyond central hospitals

So far, access to Ayushman Bharat benefits in Bengal has been limited, largely confined to hospitals under central institutions. State-run hospitals were not fully integrated into the network, restricting the scheme’s reach.

A notification by the new administration could change that equation. Once onboarded, state government hospitals may start offering cashless treatment under the scheme, significantly widening access—particularly in rural and semi-urban districts where public facilities are often the first point of care.

Labour reforms back on track

Another major development likely on the horizon is the rollout of the four new labour codes. These reforms, introduced by the Centre earlier, have remained pending in West Bengal due to the need for state-level notification.

Labour being a concurrent subject, implementation requires both Centre and states to act in tandem. West Bengal, along with Lakshadweep, had not even pre-published draft rules, effectively keeping the reforms in limbo.

With the change in leadership, officials suggest this gap may soon be addressed.

What the codes propose

The four labour codes aim to streamline and consolidate multiple existing labour laws. Among the key provisions is the Code on Wages, which mandates minimum wages across sectors and ensures equal pay for equal work.

The Code on Social Security extends benefits such as insurance and pensions to gig and platform workers—a segment that has grown rapidly but remained largely outside formal protections.

Other codes deal with industrial relations and workplace safety, including provisions for annual health check-ups for certain categories of workers and improved safety standards in factories and establishments.

Economic implications

Economists say the combined rollout of these schemes could have a tangible impact on household finances and business sentiment in the state.

Reduced out-of-pocket healthcare expenses under Ayushman Bharat may ease financial stress for lower-income families, many of whom face debt due to medical emergencies. At the same time, labour reforms could bring greater regulatory clarity for businesses, though concerns around compliance and worker protections are likely to be debated.

Overlap with state schemes

A key question that remains unresolved is how Ayushman Bharat will coexist with West Bengal’s existing Swasthya Sathi scheme, introduced under the previous government.

Officials have not indicated whether both schemes will run in parallel or if one will eventually replace the other. Policy experts suggest a hybrid approach could be explored, but clarity is expected only after formal announcements.

Focus shifts to rollout

With election results now settled, attention is turning to the pace of implementation. Initial administrative steps—such as notifications, integration of hospital networks, and awareness drives—are expected in the coming weeks.

While the political transition has removed a significant hurdle, the real test will lie in execution. For many residents, particularly those awaiting affordable healthcare and formal labour protections, the coming months could prove crucial as Bengal aligns more closely with central welfare initiatives.

After Exit, AAP Workers Label Ex-Strategist ‘Traitor’ in Mungeli  

Following Sandeep Pathak’s switch to BJP with six other RS MPs, Chhattisgarh AAP workers protested outside his family home in Lormi, calling the former ‘think tank’ a ‘septic tank’.

Lormi (Mungeli): A political switch that played out in New Delhi sparked an angry, ground-level reaction nearly 1,200 kilometres away in Chhattisgarh’s Bilaspur district on Monday.

Close to a dozen Aam Aadmi Party workers gathered outside the ancestral home of Sandeep Pathak in the Bataha village of Lormi. The protest began shortly after noon, with slogans against the former Rajya Sabha MP who joined the BJP over the weekend.

The most visible act of anger, however, was scrawled on an outer wall of the family property. Using black ink, protesters wrote ‘Gaddar’ (traitor) in Devanagari script. Local police said they are aware of the incident but no formal complaint has been filed yet.

‘Think Tank’ vs ‘Septic Tank’

The protest was more than just an expression of anger. The party’s official X handle posted images from the site, adding a sharp, rhetorical twist.

“Jise ‘Think Tank’ samjha, wo ‘Septic Tank’ nikla,” the post read—a phrase that quickly began circulating on political WhatsApp groups in Raipur.

The choice of words was deliberate. Until last week, Pathak was considered the principal electoral architect behind AAP’s 2022 Punjab victory and the man tasked with expanding the party’s footprint in Chhattisgarh and Gujarat.

A Chhattisgarh Son Who Went National

For AAP workers in Mungeli, the exit is personal. Pathak, born in 1979 to a farmer in Bataha, is a local who made it global—from a village school in Lormi to a PhD from Cambridge.

His political rise was rapid. After joining AAP in 2016, he became the national general secretary and was appointed the party’s in-charge for Chhattisgarh roughly a year ago. His job was to build an organisation from scratch in a state where the BJP and Congress have historically dominated.

“He understood the caste equations of this region. He spoke our language,” said one protester who declined to be named. “That’s why it hurts more.”

Why His Exit Shakes AAP in Chhattisgarh

Pathak wasn’t just another name on the list of seven AAP Rajya Sabha MPs who defected to the BJP. He was the system-builder.

Sources familiar with the party’s internal workings said Pathak focused heavily on booth-level structures—a tedious but critical element for any election-winning machinery. His departure leaves a vacuum in AAP’s organisational framework in at least three states.

Initial reports from party circles in Raipur suggest that local cadres now feel adrift. The protest in Lormi was as much about public shaming as it was about signalling internal frustration.

What Next for the Local Cadre?

The immediate impact is being felt at the ground level. AAP has a limited but visible presence in parts of Bilaspur and Durg, largely built around youth and disgruntled Congress voters.

With Pathak gone, the party’s stated ambition to contest the next assembly elections in Chhattisgarh appears uncertain. No replacement as state in-charge has been announced yet.

For the workers who gathered in Lormi on Monday afternoon, the immediate task was symbolic. But political observers in Raipur note that replacing the man who was both the face and the brain of AAP’s expansion in the Hindi heartland will not be easy.

MP Bus Strike Ahead of Holi 2026: Travel Plans in Jeopardy Across 55 Districts

The MP Bus Strike announced just days before Holi has triggered widespread concern among passengers across Madhya Pradesh. With nearly 20,000 buses set to go off the roads from 6 am on March 2, festive travel plans for thousands of families may face serious disruption.

As the Holi travel rush intensifies, buses across major cities including Bhopal, Indore, Gwalior, and Jabalpur are already witnessing heavy passenger traffic. The strike, called by the Madhya Pradesh Bus Operators Association, will impact all 55 districts of the state.

Why Has the MP Bus Strike Been Announced?

The strike stems from opposition to the proposed Madhya Pradesh Transport Policy, which aims to introduce a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model for bus route operations.

Under the proposed system:

 Bus route tenders will be handed over to seven private companies.

 These companies will determine passenger fares.

 Existing bus owners will continue providing drivers, staff, and fuel.

 Private firms may take up to 10% commission from fare collections.

According to Jaykumar Jain, General Secretary of the Bus Operators Association, the current fare stands at ₹1.25 per kilometre. Under the new structure, it could rise to ₹1.75 per kilometre.

“We do not want to trouble passengers, but we oppose this policy,” Jain stated, adding that a memorandum has already been submitted to the government.

Holi Travel Rush May Turn Costly

The timing of the MP Bus Strike is crucial. Holi is one of the biggest festivals in the state, prompting large-scale intercity travel.

If buses remain off the roads:

 Trains are expected to be overcrowded.

 Private taxis and travel vehicles may see surge pricing.

 Per-person travel costs could jump 5–7 times.

For instance:

 Current bus fare from Bhopal to Hoshangabad: ₹100 per passenger.

 Private vehicle fare during strike: ₹1,500–₹2,000 per vehicle.

 Shared cost per person (4 passengers): ₹500–₹600.

Similar fare spikes are likely across other popular routes.

Travel experts warn that last-minute bookings could further inflate prices due to high demand and limited alternatives.

Government’s Stand on the Issue

State Transport Minister Rao Uday Pratap Singh addressed concerns during the Budget Session in the Assembly.

He clarified that the new policy aims to streamline operations and increase bus availability. According to official data:

 Around 14,000 buses currently operate in the state.

 The estimated requirement is 16,000 buses to meet passenger demand.

“The buses and conductors will remain theirs. The government will only supervise operations,” the minister stated, assuring that no operator’s interests would be harmed.

 What Passengers Should Do Now

With uncertainty looming, travellers planning Holi journeys are advised to:

 Confirm ticket status in advance.

 Explore railway and carpool options early.

 Avoid last-minute bookings.

 Monitor official government and association announcements.

If negotiations between the Bus Operators Association and the state government fail, the MP Bus Strike could significantly affect festival mobility.

The MP Bus Strike has emerged as a major public concern ahead of Holi 2026. While bus operators protest the new transport policy, passengers find themselves caught in the middle. With fares likely to surge and options limited, clarity from ongoing talks will be crucial in the coming days.

For now, festive travel in Madhya Pradesh hangs in uncertainty.