Chhattisgarh CM gets emotional while handing-over state Congress chief post
What's the story
Congress President Rahul Gandhi has appointed tribal leader Mohan Markam as the chief of the party's Chhattisgarh unit, replacing CM Bhupesh Baghel. The Chhattisgarh Chief Minister got emotional as his eyes were filled with tears while handing over the post of the President of Chhattisgarh Pradesh Congress Committee (CPCC) to Kondagaon MLA Markam. Baghel also thanked the leaders who worked and contributed to Congress.
Twitter Post
CM Baghel tears up remembering the contribution of members
#WATCH Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel who was also the Congress President of the party's state unit, tears up remembering the contribution of members, at an event passing the post to Mohan Markam in Raipur. (June 29) pic.twitter.com/O70Uuchu8P
— ANI (@ANI) June 29, 2019
Event
Markam is a hardworking and simple man, says Baghel
An event was organized on Saturday for handing over the charge of CPCC chief to Markam. In his speech, Baghel thanked all the leaders of the party who have worked with him over the past five years. He remembered their contribution to the Congress's Chhattisgarh unit. The Chhattisgarh CM also praised Markam and called the newly-appointed CPCC President as a "hardworking and simple man".
Video clip
Baghel's eyes welled up as he gave farewell speech
A video shows CM Baghel tearing up as he gave his farewell speech and thanked the party workers. While speaking at the podium, he could also be seen pausing to take off his glasses and then wipe his tears. Congress workers present at the event can be heard chanting, "Bhupesh Baghel zindabad, Congress party zindabad (Long live Bhupesh Baghel, long live Congress party)."
Speech
Was appointed by Rahul after we lost 2013 elections: Baghel
Speaking at the event, Baghel said, "I was appointed to the post by Rahul Gandhiji after we lost the elections in 2013. 2014 Lok Sabha elections were near." "We were worried about the party's prospects in the state after the 2014 elections. The fight we party leaders started after June 2014 continued till the time we came to power in Chhattisgarh," he added.
Information
Congress announced Markam's appointment on June 28
Earlier on June 28, the Congress announced the appointment of Markam as the CPCC president through a release signed by General Secretary KC Venugopal. Baghel, who became the Chattisgarh CM in Dec'18, was asked to continue as CPCC chief until his replacement is found.