Chhattisgarh polls: BJP justifies decision to field rioting case accused, father of man killed in communal clash

A BJP leader accused in a rioting case and a villager whose son was killed in a communal clash have been given tickets by the saffron party for the Chhattisgarh assembly polls scheduled next month.

While the opposition BJP in Chhattisgarh has justified its decision to field these two candidates, a political observer said communalism may feature in the state poll campaign this time.

Asked whether the BJP was trying to raise the issue of communal violence by giving these tickets, Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel said, “No matter how hard they try, it will not be an issue.”.