Cong will field ''strong candidate'' at Budhni

Bhopal, Apr 2 (UNI) The Congress will field a strong candidate against Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan in the Budhni assembly byeletion, AICC General Secretary V Narayansami -- who also holds charge of this state -- said today.

''After today's deliberations with the Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly Jamuna Devi, state Congress chief Subhash Yadav and Budhni workers, a panel of five candidates was prepared and will be given to party President Sonia Gandhi tomorrow,'' he told journalists here.

Alleging that Mr Chouhan misused government resources and violated the model code of conduct by announcing a Rs 300-crore project, Mr Narayansami demanded that the Election Commission of India ensure compliance.

''The Chief Election Commissioner should appoint a special observer and station Central Reserve Police Force personnel. The state election commission is not taking serious note of Congress complaints about violation,'' he added.

However, Mr Narayansami evaded questions about assistance from former chief minister and expelled Bharatiya Janata Party leader Uma Bharti and fielding a joint opposition candidate.

UNI AG-AC VD BST1919