Congress says it will regain power in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh

Accusing the BJP governments in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh of all-round “failure” and corruption, the Congress today said the main Opposition party in these states would regain power in 2013 Assembly elections as its workers had zeal and unity to ensure victory.

In the last seven-and-a half years of BJP rule, the people in these states have got sick of assurances given by Chief Ministers. Saffron and Sangh Parivar leaders and workers were using public money to lead a lavish life, AICC Secretary V Hanumant Rao said here. BJP Governments in MP, Chhattisgarh and Karnataka were “neck-deep in corruption” and their party high command was indifferent to alleged frauds and illegal deals taking place in these states, alleged Rao, who had been touring MP to take feedback of the party workers.

“In Chhattisgarh, a tribal Minister’s son grabbed adivasi land for a private company. In Bhopal, 20 acres of land worth Rs 400 crore was bought at throwaway price for setting up RSS Training Camp,” the Congress leader said.

Six Ministers in MP were facing corruption charges, it is the Congress that took action against those facing corruption charges like A Raja, Suresh Kalmadi and Ashok Chavan. Let BJP go public with steps it has taken against Chief Ministers and corrupt Ministers, Rao said.

It was ridiculous that the BJP was raising its voice against corruption, inflation and blackmoney, he said, expressing confidence that Congress would dislodge the saffron outfit from power in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh in the next Assembly polls.

The BJP governments were diverting the funds and grants received under the central schemes, Rao said.

Asked who will be the Congress’ Chief Ministerial candidates in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, he said, it would be decided by the elected MLAs with approval from party President Sonia Gandhi.

“There was no dearth of Chief Ministerial candidates in MP and Chhattisgarh, the elections would be contested under the leadership of Soniaji and Rahulji,” Rao said.

To a question, he said, the newly appointed MP Congress President and Central Minister Kantilal Bhuria, was a competent leader.

On the appointment of Indore Congress City and District Presidents, Rao said, the nomination process was on and it will take some time to select the right candidates for these posts.

Public issues of concern will find prominent place in the Congress manifesto for 2013 Assembly polls, he replied to another question.