Ajit Jogi out of Cong but retains its name in his new outfit

Former Congress leader Ajit Jogi today formally named his new party as 'Chhattisgarh Janata Congress (Jogi)' even as he slammed the ruling BJP government for "lacking in vision" to take the state forward.
The announcement was made by the seasoned politician at Thathapurvillage in Kawardha district, the home turf of Chief Minister Raman Singh.
"After addressing a public meeting there, he formally launched his new regional party in the state," said Jogi's son Amit Jogi, a sitting MLA from Marwahi constituency in Bilaspur district.
Jogi, who has been in sulk since his son Amit Jogi was expelled by Congress in January after his name figured in alleged fixing of an Assembly bypoll in BJP's favour, resigned from the party last week, days after accusing it of working as the "B team" of ruling BJP.

Congress had dubbed Jogi's exit as a "good riddance".
"After the declaration to float the new party at Kotmi village inMarwahion June 6 there was a sense of excitement among the people of the stateto know the name of this outfit which will be 'Chhattisgarh Janata Congress (Jogi)," Amit said.

The announcement of the new party's name was made in a unique style.
"The party's name was first whispered intoear of a girl who was present at the public meeting and she then wrote the title on a blackboard," he said.
Addressing the gathering, Jogi senior targeted the Raman Singh government, saying the people want change and "it is my responsibility to cherish life of the people of Chhattisgarh".

"The ruling BJP in Chhattisgarh does not have any vision for the state. It is largely dependent on Delhi for taking decisions in the interest of the state. The common man is still lagging behind in this mineral and iron ore-rich state," he said.
Ajit Jogi, the first CM of Chhattisgarh after it was carved out of Madhya Pradesh, said his outfit will transform this system and work for the growth and welfare of each and every sectionof society.
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On the occasion, the Congress leaders refrained from
making any direct remark against Jogi even as they assured the people of Marwahi that their interests will be taken care of by the party.

"Marwahihas been the bastion of Congress. I assure the people of the region that the party is with them and will take care of their interests. The party will work together here," state Congress chief Bhupesh Baghel said.
Recalling the killings of Congress leaders by naxals in the 2013 Jiram valley attack in Bastar, Baghel said the incident was not only a security lapse on the part of the ruling BJP but it was a "conspiracy".
"Then state Congress chief Nand Kumar Patel and tribal leader Mahendra Karma (who were killed in theJiramattack) had kicked off the 'Parivartan Yatra' which was abandoned in the mid after their martyrdom. But now their dream will be fulfilled in 2018 Assembly elections in the state," Baghel added.