2 Congress MLAs desert Ajit Jogi camp

Two Congress MLAs on Friday broke ranks with their “leader” and former chief minister Ajit Jogi who has floated a “yet to be named” new outfit recently, by reaffirming their allegiance to the party.

Siyaram Kaushik and R.K. Ray, who were seen flanked by Mr Jogi when the veteran leader announced formation of his new party at Kotmi under Marwahi in Chhattisgarh’s Bilashpur district last week, on Friday attended the extended executive meeting of Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) at Raipur convened to pass a resolution to repose faith in leadership of Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi.

Incidentally, Mr Jogi’s MLA wife, Renu was conspicuous by her absence in the PCC meeting. However, Mr Ray later told reporters that he would decide his future course of action only after Mr Jogi formally launched his new party.

In another development, PCC secretary Giridhari Yadav on Friday announced his resignation from the party.

Mr Yadav said he would join Mr Jogi’s proposed new party along with “5000 supporters” hailing from Janjgir-Champa district in Chhattisgarh.

The state party president Bhupesh Baghel issued a veiled warning to Mr Jogi’s supporters. He also declared to organize a party workers’ meet in Marwahi, considered Mr Jogi’s stronghold, on Saturday apparently to throw a challenge at the former chief minister.

In another development, the expelled Congress leader and Mr Jogi’s son, Amit on Friday hinted at christening new party’s name in July.