Raman promises to make Chhattisgarh into 'diamond-ball' of India

Kolkata, Jul 6 (UNI) Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh today expressed concerns over growing Naxalism in 140 districts in the country but drew an optimistic picture of his state.

Speaking on the occasion of Dr Shymaprasad Mukherjee's 105th birth anniversary, Mr Singh said he was personally inspired by the freedom fighter.

He said Shymaprasad Mukherjee fought till the last breath for freedom and added that many more Shymaprsad's are needed for the country.

He promised to make Chhattisgarh into 'diamond-ball of India from the rice-ball of India', adding that the state would spend Rs 10,000 crore within 2010 in the power sector alone.

Mr Singh said his state had attracted investments worth Rs 7,700 crores within a short period and vowed to make Chhattisgarh the leading state in the country before 2010.

Bajranj Dal leader Vinay Katiyar, who also present on the occasion, showered praises on Dr Shyamaprasad and exhorted the people to emulate him to rescue the country from terrorism.

UNI SP SJC RL RK2228