Elated Chouhan vows further development of MP

Bhopal, May 6 (UNI) Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan today described his victory in the Budhni assembly bypoll as the fruit of the masses' affection and added that he was committed to providing development in the form of a campaign through public participation.

''The victory is a seal of approval on the government's work and has provided greater energy for toiling for development and public welfare,'' he told UNI.

As the BJP nominee, Mr Chouhan vanquished his nearest Congress rival -- former minister Rajkumar Patel -- by more than 36,000 votes.

''I am resolved to place Madhya Pradesh in the ranks of leading states,'' he added.

Due to BJP General Secretary Pramod Mahajan's demise, Mr Chouhan directed that his victory should not be celebrated through processions and sloganeering or by bursting firecrackers.

After completing the formality of collecting a certificte from the district returning officer, Mr Chouhan addressed BJP workers at Sehore district town and credited them for his victory.

''The margin could have been greater but the scorching heat and the wedding season affected the turnout. In order to express my gratitude towards the electorate I will undertake a 'vikas yatra' from Gopalpur to Baktara on June 12 and 13. My only reply to the opposition will be to constantly advance along the development path,'' he added.

He claimed that an issueless opposition attempted to entangle the bypoll in disputes but in vain.

The chief minister observed a brief silence as a tribute to Mr Mahajan.

UNI SD-AC MSJ KN1553