Satnami leader, Chhattisgarh BJP minister’s brother joins Congress

In a move aimed at contesting the upcoming 2028 assembly elections in Chhattisgarh, Dhaldas Saheb, the elder brother of a current BJP minister in the state, Guru Khushwant Saheb, has decided to join the Opposition Congress party. Both Dhaldas and Khushwant hail from the Satnami community, which is the largest Scheduled Castes group in the state, making up more than 10% of the population.

Dhaldas formally joined the Congress on Friday, accompanied by former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel. Baghel expressed optimism on social media, stating, “A start has been made. Together, we will remove the BJP.” Upon joining the Congress, Dhaldas announced his intention to contest the 2028 Assembly elections if the party decides to support him.

However, he clarified that he will not challenge his brother for the same seat, stating, “I intend to contest from Mungeli and will enter the fray from Arang only if Khushwant is not contesting from the same seat.” Khushwant currently represents the Arang constituency. Dhaldas emphasized his ancestral ties to the Congress, mentioning that his family has been involved in politics since the pre-Independence era.

He cited the party's historical significance and the legacy of notable leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru as reasons for his decision. The Satnami community, to which Dhaldas belongs, serves as a crucial political force in Chhattisgarh, comprising over 10% of the state's population. The Chhattisgarh cabinet comprises two ministers from the SC community, including Khushwant and Dayaldas Baghel.

Dhaldas shared that he has two brothers and a sister; his sister previously served as chairperson of the Tilda-Nevra municipality, while his other brother, Guru Sourabh Saheb, chairs the Raipur Zilla Panchayat.