Split in 'Bastar Tiger' family

A major split in the family of "Bastar Tiger", the late Mahendra Karma, took place, with his younger son, Chavindra Karma, announcing that he will fight elections against his mother Devti Karma, the sitting Congress MLA of Danetwada.

Devti was given the party ticket in 2013 after Mahendra Karma lost his life in the Jheeram valley massacre in May 25, 2013.

She won the election riding on a sympathy wave.

Mahendra's sons want to launch themselves in the political arena, and have held posts at the local-body levels.

The younger son, Chavindra, who has revolted against his mother, said the Congress had promised him in 2013 that he would be given a party ticket in 2018.

He said he is fighting as an Independent as the party had not kept its word. He said his followers would leave with him.

Reacting to the developments, the BJP said it is unfortunate that Congress leaders are forgetting culture, traditions and even relationships for the sake of power.

BJP spokesperson and Raipur City MLA Shrichand Sunderani said that Congress leaders are leaving party one by one due to the suffocation they face within the party.