Kiran Singh Deo Re-Elected as Chhattisgarh BJP Chief: A Look at His Journey

BJP MLA Kiran Singh Deo has been re-elected unopposed as the Chhattisgarh state party president for a second term. According to party insiders, his stronghold as the MLA of Bastar’s Jagdalpur city seat and his rapport with party members are cited as key reasons for his reappointment.

Deo first became the chief of the Chhattisgarh BJP in January 2024, after the party returned to power following a five-year Congress rule under Bhupesh Baghel. His predecessor, Arun Sao, was elevated to the position of deputy Chief Minister in the Vishnu Deo Sai-led BJP government.

On Friday, Deo officially resumed his post, which he will hold for the next three years. The state BJP chief’s role holds particular significance in Chhattisgarh, as former chiefs like Raman Singh and Vishnu Deo Sai have gone on to become Chief Ministers.

BJP national general secretary Vinod Tawde announced Deo’s reappointment at the state party headquarters in Raipur, alongside leaders like CM Vishnu Deo Sai. Tawde revealed that all three nominations received for the position unanimously named Kiran Singh Deo, reflecting his popularity within the party.

In his acceptance speech, Deo expressed gratitude to the party leadership for recognizing his contributions, stating, “I thank the party for elevating a small person like me from Bastar to the state president’s position.”

Achievements During His First Term

During his first term, Deo oversaw significant party initiatives, including a membership drive that doubled BJP membership in the state from 30 lahks in 2024 to over 60lahksh, even achieving targets in tribal-dominated Bastar and Sarguja regions. The BJP’s performance in Bastar during the 2023 Assembly elections, where the party won 8 out of 12 seats, marked a major turnaround from its previous losses in the region.

Support from Party Stalwarts

Deo is known for his close association with former CM Raman Singh, who played a crucial role in shaping Deo’s political career. His re-election is seen as a strategic move to solidify BJP’s hold in Bastar, a key tribal region.

Political Journey of Kiran Singh Deo

Deo’s political career began in 1998 as deputy chief of the BJP Yuva Morcha in Jagdalpur. He went on to serve as the Yuva Morcha chief from 2002 to 2005 and held various leadership roles, including Pradesh Mantri and state BJP working committee member.

From 2014 to 2019, Deo served as the mayor of Jagdalpur Municipal Corporation, a tenure that solidified his local support. In 2023, he contested and won his debut Assembly election from the Jagdalpur city seat, defeating Congress MLA Jateen Jaiswal by nearly 30,000 votes.

Deo’s leadership and connection to grassroots workers have made him a pivotal figure in the BJP’s resurgence in Chhattisgarh.