Former Chhattisgarh Congress President Mohan Markam Sworn In As State Minister

Two days after he was replaced as head of the Congress party’s Chhattisgarh unit, tribal leader Mohan Markam was sworn in as a minister in the government led by Bobesh Baghel on Friday.

Governor Biswabhusan Harichandan administered the oath of office and secrecy to Markam during the swearing-in ceremony at Raj Bhavan here.

The event was attended by Prime Minister Bobesh Bagel.

Markam wallet is not set yet.

The resignation of State Schools Education Minister Premsay Singh Tikam on Thursday paved the way for Markam’s entry into the Bagel government.

This development comes a few months before the state assembly elections.

Markam, 56, who represents the Kondagaon assembly seat, is a prominent tribal face of the Grand Old Party in Bastar district, south of Chhattisgarh.

Markham, a two-time MLA, has been leading the Chhattisgarh Pradesh Conference Committee since June 2019.

He was the first tribal chief of the State Congress after Chhattisgarh was carved out of Madhya Pradesh in November 2000.

On Wednesday, Congress President Mallikarjun appointed out MP Deepak Baig, who represents the Bastar Lok Sabha constituency, as the party’s Chhattisgarh unit chief to replace Markam.

Markam came into limelight when he defeated the powerful BJP minister and prominent tribal leader Lata Usinde in the 2013 House elections from Kondagaon.

Markham first ran for assembly on a congress ticket against Ossende in 2008, but lost at that time. In 2018, Usendi defeated Kondagaon for the second time.

Markam was born in Tedmunda village under Makdi Tahsil in Kondagon District on 15 September 1967. He has been active in politics since his school days.

According to the constitutional provision, the power of the Chhattisgarh Cabinet cannot exceed 13 people, including the Prime Minister. The current strength of the cabinet is 13.

(This story was not edited by the News18 staff and was published from a syndicated news agency feed – PTI)