Ajit Jogi forms new outfit, says he is "Independent" now

Marwahi(Chhattisgarh), June 6: Former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister and senior Congress leader Ajit Jogi today made a formal announcement to float a new political outfit, days after he raised a banner of revolt against his parent party accusing it of working as the "B team" of BJP in the state.

The announcement marks the culmination of the long-drawn factionalism within the Chhatisgarh party unit led by Bhupesh Baghel. While addressing a huge gathering at his son Amit Jogi's constituency at Marwahi in Bilaspur district, Jogi released a "Kotmi Declaration" in which he claimed to form his government with full majority in 2018 Assembly elections in Chhattisgarh.

"I am independent now...I have the blessings of people and well wishers..," Jogi told the gathering comprising around 10,000 people at Kotmi village in the area. Many of his supporters were spotted wearing white Gandhian caps with slogans like "I am Jogi" and "Jai Jogi".

Besides, the posters with slogans like "Abki Baar, Jogi Sarkar" were also raised at the venue. On June 2, Jogi, who has been in sulk for long, had hinted at formation of his political party and asked his supporters and media to wait till June 6 for a formal announcement.

As per today's declaration, "The day marks the beginning of a new chapter in the history of Chhattisgarh from Kotmi village. Now people of Chhattisgarh will write their destiny by themselves.

Now, the decisions of Chhattisgarh will be taken in Chhattisgarh only. "With the blessings of people of Marwahi and well-wishers, it has been decided to form a new party. The new party will be Chhattisgarh's own party," stated the declaration.

The declaration assured to "make farmers and labourers free from poverty, the youth free of unemployment, women free of violence, businessmen free of taxes, common man free of corruption".

It also promised making the society free of inflation and of "administrative terrorism and alls kind of social evils". "The target has been set to form a government with the full majority in Chhattisgarh in 2018 Assembly elections. Besides, it has been also decided to send at least 10 Members of Parliament from Chhattisgarh to Delhi, who will always keep the interest of Chhattisgarh at the top.

PTI