Congress leaders court arrest in Chhattisgarh

Raipur, Aug 1 (UNI) Opposition Congress leaders in Chhattisgarh courted arrest here today when they attempted to take out a procession to "gherao" the assembly to protest the BJP government's alleged betrayal of tribals, anti-poor policies and its failure on all fronts.

Congress Working Committee (CWC) members Ajit Jogi, Mrs Mohsina Kidwai, Pradesh Congress Committee President Dr Charan Das Mahant, Leader of the Opposition Mahendra Karma and two dozen legislators were among those who courted arrest as they were about to march towards the assembly.

While the Vidhan Sabha is located on the outskirts, about 12 km away from the city limits, police stopped the agitators within the city itself as the leaders began march after a public meeting in front of the state Congress office.

Mr Jogi, Ms Kidwai and a number of legislators resorted to slogan shouting in front of the Raj Bhawan against the three year old Dr Raman Singh government and later courted arrest.

Addressing party workers in front of Raj Bhawan, Congress legislators demanded dismissal of the BJP government, alleging it had failed to fulfill the promises made to the people and to contain corruption. Besides, it could not protect the interests of tribals and contain violence in Naxalite infested South Bastar region.

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