Chhattisgarh Minister's Brother Jumps to Congress: Big Political Shift!

Guru Dhaldas Saheb, a prominent figure from Chhattisgarh's influential Satnami community and the elder brother of State Minister and BJP leader Guru Khushwant Saheb, has officially joined the opposition Congress party. The move comes as a significant development in Chhattisgarh politics, especially given the Satnami community's numerical strength, accounting for approximately 13% of the state's population and representing its largest Scheduled Castes group.

Dhaldas Saheb's family is directly descended from Baba Guru Ghasidas, the founder of the Satnam Panth in the 19th century. Interestingly, his younger brother, Khushwant Saheb, and their father, Guru Baldas Saheb, had themselves switched from the Congress to the BJP in 2023, just before the State Assembly elections.

Khushwant Saheb went on to win the Arang Assembly constituency on a BJP ticket.

Mr. Dhaldas's induction into the Congress took place on Friday, September 11, 2026, at the official residence of former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel. Baghel wasted no time in welcoming the new member, stating on X, "The beginning has been made.

Together, we will remove the BJP.” State Congress president Deepak Baij echoed this sentiment on Saturday, September 12, 2026, suggesting that Dhaldas's entry was merely the "trailer," hinting that more BJP leaders, whom he playfully termed "naraz phuphas" (grumpy uncles, a phrase used by PM Narendra Modi to criticize opponents), are preparing to switch allegiance to the Congress. Explaining his decision to journalists, Mr.

Dhaldas stated that the BJP was not adhering to the principles espoused by Guru Baba Ghasidas.

He also clarified that his family understood his decision, assuring that despite his political shift, there were no internal differences within the family. Looking ahead, Dhaldas Saheb expressed a keen interest in contesting the 2028 Assembly polls if the Congress party offers him the opportunity.

He articulated his desire to serve the people through electoral politics, identifying Mungeli, a Scheduled Caste-reserved constituency, as his preferred seat. He also indicated a willingness to contest from Arang, currently represented by his brother, should the BJP not field his sibling in the next elections.

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