'Uma doesn't pose challenge for BJP'

Bhopal, Mar 04: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan today (Mar 04, 2006) said expelled Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Uma Bharti didn't pose a challenge to the BJP or the state government.

''I am not feeling any pressure. The only challenge before me is to place Madhya Pradesh in the league of developed states,'' Mr Chouhan told UNI in an interview here.

''Politics of mud-slinging is not good for democracy and public will not spare political leaders obstructing development,'' he said, referring to 'baseless' allegations being levelled by Congress leaders mainly to gain media mileage.

Mr Chouhan said the results of previous assembly elections had proved that the public desired development and sought the Opposition's cooperation towards this goal.

Regarding letters written by former Chief Minister Digvijay Singh to him, he said he had good relations with Mr Singh and were in touch through letters.

''There is nothing wrong in writing letters on development or other issues. However, it has been observed that such letters are released to media before they reach the concerned person,'' he said.

The Chief Minister said he did not believe in politics of vendetta and considered the presence of critics helpful in better discharge of duties.

He denied lack of coordination between the government and the BJP organisation saying both stood for ensuring the state's development.

''The organisational ability of new state BJP Chief Satyanarayan Jatia is commendable and it will help both the party and the government,'' Mr Chouhan added.

UNI