Could Arun Sao Be Chief Minister Candidate For Chhattisgarh? Here's What We Know So Far

With Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) inching closer to victory in Chattisgarh, all spotlight is now focussed on BJP state chief Arun Sao who has played a pivotal role in BJP's unexpectedly good electoral performance in the state and whom many now believe to be the front-runner for the post of state's next chief minister.

In the intricate tapestry of Chhattisgarh's political landscape, Arun Sao has emerged as a prominent figure, with a trajectory that spans from student activism to national politics.

From 1990 to 1995, Sao served as the unit president of the Mungeli unit of ABVP (Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad), showcasing early leadership qualities. He late become a member of the national working committee.

In 1996, Arun Sao took on the responsibilities of the district president of the Youth Morcha and served as the secretary alongside former MLA Amar Agrawal. This period marked a crucial phase in his political grooming, where he honed his skills and gained valuable experience that would later define his political career.

In 2019, elected as a Member of Parliament from Bilaspur.

He contested against Lakhn Lal Sahu, who had previously secured victory as an MP with an impressive 1.76 lakh votes in 2014. Arun Sao's victory not only demonstrated his popularity but also highlighted his political acumen.

What sets Sao apart is not just his political prowess but also his deep-rooted connection with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

In 2019, when he received the BJP ticket for the Lok Sabha elections, it was revealed that his association with the RSS played a pivotal role in his candidacy.

His father, Abhayram Sao, a senior activist of the Jan Sangh and an RSS volunteer, had laid the foundation for Sao's political journey.

Discussions about Arun Sao potentially becoming a central minister have circulated in the past, underscoring his closeness to the top brass of the part. As BJP appears poised to form government in Chattisgarh, Sao, belonging to the Sahu community, a majority in the OBC category in the state, would be a formidable candidate for the chief ministerial post.