The demise of Nand Kumar Baghel, father of former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, marks a poignant moment in the state’s political landscape. At the age of 89, he breathed his last at a private hospital in Raipur on Monday morning, where he had been admitted for the past few days. While the cause of death has not been officially disclosed, the news has prompted an outpouring of condolences from political circles.
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai expressed grief over Nand Kumar Baghel’s passing, extending heartfelt condolences to the mourning family. The former Chief Minister, Bhupesh Baghel, is expected to return from Delhi in the afternoon to be present for the final rites.
In a social media post, Bhupesh Baghel announced the sad news, stating that his father’s mortal remains would be kept at Patan Sadan in Raipur, with the last rites scheduled for January 10 in their home village Kuruddih, Durg district. The poignant post was accompanied by a picture of the former Chief Minister with his father.
Nand Kumar Baghel’s life had its share of controversies. In 2021, during his son’s tenure as Chief Minister, he faced arrest for allegedly making controversial remarks against a community. The incident added a layer of complexity to Nand Kumar Baghel’s public image.
Furthermore, in the early years of Chhattisgarh’s formation in 2000, Nand Kumar Baghel was at the center of a row surrounding his book titled ‘Brahmin Kumar Ravan Ko Mat Maro’ (Don’t Kill Brahmin Son Ravan). The book stirred controversy, leading to the then Ajit Jogi-led Congress government banning its circulation.
The passing of Nand Kumar Baghel not only marks the end of a chapter in the Baghel family but also reflects the nuanced intersection of politics, personal life, and controversies in the public eye. As condolences pour in and funeral arrangements are made, the political landscape in Chhattisgarh is inevitably shaped by this somber moment.
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