The results of the recently held municipal corporation elections in Chhattisgarh have come as a big relief for the Congress, which increased its tally compared with the 2009 civic polls.

The party also improved its position in the nagar panchayat and panchayat elections in the BJP-ruled State.

The Congress, which had received a drubbing in general elections, seems to be regaining its morale, with Congress president Sonia Gandhi and vice-president Rahul Gandhi congratulating party workers for their performance in Chhattisgarh. Party spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala said the Congress won the elections despite misuse of the official machinery by the BJP government.

“The Prime Minister campaigned in the State and exhorted for a Congress-free Chhattisgarh. Despite that, people reposed their faith in the Congress party,” he said.

Surjewala further said the poor administration of the Raman Singh government helped the Congress win back the seats.

“Counterfeit drugs and quacks are having their time in the State. Law and order is in a shambles,” he added.

The civic polls were considered an acid test for the Raman Singh government. Apart from the Prime Minister, BJP president Amit Shah had also campaigned in the State.

Free hand Since the defeat in the Lok Sabha elections, the Congress has been trying to improve its position in the State.

Party sources indicated that a free hand to veteran leader Ajit Jogi can be one reason for its improved performance.

The Congress was hoping to gain from the resentment of the people, particularly after the death of several women following botched sterilisation surgeries at a government hospital.

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