Bhupesh Baghel, a prominent figure in Indian politics, has a long and impactful career marked by both significant achievements and controversies. This comprehensive biography delves into his life, career, and public image.
Wiki/Biography
Bhupesh Kumar Baghel was born on Wednesday, August 23, 1961 (age 62 as of 2023), in Durg, Madhya Pradesh (now Chhattisgarh), India. His zodiac sign is Virgo. He completed his schooling in 1978 and earned a BSc in 1983 from Science College, Raipur, followed by a postgraduate science degree in 1986, all from Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University. After graduation, he briefly pursued farming before entering politics.
His early political interest, sparked in childhood, led him to join the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) while a student. He started his political journey in the early 1980s, mentored by Chandulal Chandrakar, advocating for Chhattisgarh’s separation from Madhya Pradesh.
Physical Appearance
- Height (approx.): 5’9”
- Hair Colour: Salt and Pepper
- Eye Colour: Dark Brown
Family & Caste
Bhupesh Baghel hails from a Kurmi Kshatriya (OBC) family in Durg, Chhattisgarh.
Parents & Siblings
His parents were Nand Kumar Baghel, a farmer and Samajwadi Party politician, and Bindeshwari Baghel. His mother passed away in 2019, and his father in 2024.
He has two sisters, one of whom lives abroad.
Wife & Children
Married to Mukteshwari Baghel, a homemaker, since February 3, 1982 (arranged marriage). They have four children: a son, Chaitanya Baghel (involved in agriculture and real estate), and three daughters – Dipti Baghel (assistant professor), Smita Baghel, and Divya Chandrakar.
Other Relatives
His father-in-law, Dr. Narendra Dev Verma, is a noted author. His nephew, Vijay Baghel, is a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) politician and Lok Sabha member.
Religion
He follows Hinduism.
Address
Mansarovar Awasiya Parisar, Bhilai-3, P.O. Bhilai-3, Tahsil Bhilai-3, District- Durg, Chhattisgarh, India.
Career
Party Politics
Baghel’s journey within the Indian National Congress (INC) began in 1985 with the Indian Youth Congress (IYC). He rose through the ranks, holding key positions in the party. His leadership was crucial in rebuilding the INC’s standing in Chhattisgarh following the loss of several key leaders in 2013. He successfully navigated controversies and led the party to victory in the 2018 state assembly elections. His tenure as Chhattisgarh Pradesh Congress Committee president from October 2014 to December 2019 was instrumental in this success.
Electoral Politics
Madhya Pradesh
Baghel’s electoral career started in 1993, winning the Patan constituency seat in the Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly. He served in various ministerial roles within the Digvijaya Singh cabinet, including Public Grievance and Transport, before Chhattisgarh’s formation.
Chhattisgarh
With Chhattisgarh’s formation in 2000, Baghel became its first Revenue, Public Health Engineering, and Relief Work Minister. He served as Deputy Leader of the Opposition (2003-2008) before becoming Chief Minister in 2018. He successfully contested several elections, demonstrating consistent electoral support.
Notable Schemes and Projects
As Chief Minister, Baghel implemented numerous successful welfare schemes, many of which were later adopted by other states. Here are some key examples:
| Scheme Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Narva, Garva, Ghurva, Bari | Focuses on water conservation, livestock protection, organic composting, and backyard farming. |
| Mukhyamantri Haat Bazar Clinic Yojana | Provides healthcare in underserved areas using mobile medical vans. |
| Chief Minister Dai-Didi Clinic Scheme | Offers medical care to women, utilizing all-women mobile medical units. |
| Malaria Mukt Bastar Scheme | Successfully reduced malaria incidence in the Bastar region. |
| Rajiv Gandhi Kisan Nyay Yojana (RGKNY) | Financial assistance to farmers to boost crop production; spawned other related schemes. |
| Godhan Nyay Yojana | Promotes organic farming by purchasing cow dung and urine from farmers. |
| Mukhyamantri Suposhan Abhiyan | Combats malnutrition and anemia, particularly among women and children. |
Other notable initiatives include the Padhai Tuhar Dwar scheme (providing online and offline education during COVID-19), the Swami Atmanand English Medium School Scheme (improving education access), the Ram Van Gaman Path Project, and several others aimed at improving healthcare and infrastructure.
General Elections
Baghel contested the 2024 Lok Sabha elections from the Rajnandgaon constituency but was unsuccessful.
Controversies
Bhupesh Baghel’s career has been punctuated by several controversies, including allegations related to the sex CD controversy, rice mill scam, liquor scam, and the Mahadev app case. These allegations have drawn considerable media attention and raised questions about his conduct.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has been involved in investigating several of these cases, leading to accusations of political targeting.
Awards & Honours
Baghel has received several accolades, including the Mahatma Phule Samta Award (2021) and honorary doctorate degrees from Sorbonne University and Hemchand Yadav Vishwavidyalaya (2023).
Assets and Net Worth
Baghel’s declared assets (2023) include significant holdings in agricultural land, residential properties, and movable assets. His net worth is substantial, although the exact figure is subject to variations in reporting.
Facts/Trivia
- Affectionately known as “Kaka.”
- Organizes mass marriage ceremonies.
- Enjoys reading, writing, and listening to music.
- Patron of Manva Kurmi Chhatriya Samaj since 1993.
- His 2018 election manifesto included a pledge to ban alcohol sales, which he later did not implement.
- Sent a mirror to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2019.
- His 2023 election affidavit revealed his wife possessing greater wealth.
- A known Candy Crush player.
