Row over state BJP chief's remarks on ministers

Raipur, Aug 5 (UNI) Trouble is apparently brewing in the ruling BJP ahead of organisational elections in Chhattisgarh with its state president Shiv Pratap Singh demanding removal of ''inefficient ministers and corrupt officials'' saying it was necessary to restore the government's image.

Mr Singh, who quit cabinet rank status post of vice-chairman of Sarguja and Northern Tribal Area Development Authority a few days ago, called on Chief Minister Dr Raman Singh and handed over a letter demanding removal of, what he described as, inefficient ministers.

Later in an interview with a television channel, the tribal leader said there were a number of party legislators with 'good image' who were also capable of delivering the goods. ''Its not that I have suddenly started talking about corrupt officials and inefficient ministers. I have been raising these issues time and again at the party forum, including at the meetings of state executive and core group'', he added.

The state BJP president also questioned the rationale of having two ministers from state capital -- one representing Raipur (City) and Raipur (Rural) assembly constituencies.

Reacting to state BJP president's statement, Dr Raman Singh told UNI at Rajnandgaon today that the government would not hesitate to take apprpriate action if Mr Singh gave specific complaints.

''If there is a specific complaint, there will not be any delay in taking action'', he added.

Pointing out that the state BJP president did not use the word 'corrupt' in his letter, the chief minister said the tribal leader had mentioned about the need for an assessment based on performance.

''About the state party chief's views, I will discuss it with BJP president'', he said, adding ''as far as performance was concerned, it could vary from person to person''.

''Its like a cricket or a football team. Some players could perform well while others may not be in good form'', Mr Singh said adding that what matters was the performance of the team. '' Similarly, performance of the government has to be viewed in its entirety'', he added.

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