Former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel has launched a new non-political organization called the "Chhattisgarh Mitan Club", which is expected to attract youth previously associated with the Rajiv Yuva Milan Club.

The leadership of the new organization has been handed over to his close associate, Girish Devangan. Interestingly, the formation of this new club was kept under wraps from key members of the Congress party, including state Congress President Deepak Baij and Leader of Opposition Dr. Charandas Mahant, who were not informed about the development.

The internal dynamics within the Congress party have been stirred by the launch of Baghel’s new organization. A two-day meeting of the Chhattisgarh Mitan Club was held on Thursday and Friday at the Siddhivinayak Marriage Hall in Sarona.

About 300 youth from areas such as Korba, Rajnandgaon, and other districts, all former members of the Rajiv Gandhi Yuva Milan Club, participated in the meeting. These young members were previously receiving a monthly stipend of ₹1,000 as part of the Rajiv Yuva Milan Club.

However, when the Bhupesh Baghel-led government ended, the club was disbanded by the current government. In an effort to re-engage these youth, Baghel has now introduced them to his new platform, the Chhattisgarh Mitan Club. During the first meeting of the new club, only Baghel’s close supporters and former members of the Rajiv Yuva Milan Club were present.

Baghel himself addressed the gathering for nearly an hour, reflecting on the evolution of the Rajiv Yuva Milan Club and its past work. "The Rajiv Yuva Milan Club was formed with the intention to work for the people, but it never gained proper recognition. Any organization gains its identity through its workers, not through the protection of power," Baghel remarked. "When you're outside the government, you face challenges, and that’s when your true identity is formed."

Baghel emphasized that the new club would work on grassroots issues in local communities to establish its identity. He announced plans to organize seminars and "prabhat pheri" (morning rallies) in various districts, focusing on key local issues. Additionally, a group will be formed to oversee the activities of the club. The next meeting of the Chhattisgarh Mitan Club is expected to be held soon. Present at the meeting were several of Baghel’s advisors, including Pradeep Sharma, Girish Devangan, Sunny Agarwal, Pramod Dubey, Hema Deshmukh from Rajnandgaon, several Zilla Panchayat members, and youth Congress leaders.