Sonia to address tribal conference in MP

Bhopal, Dec 21 (UNI) All-India Congress Committee President Sonia Gandhi will address the party's soon-to-be-held tribal conference in Madhya Pradesh.

Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly Jamuna Devi today extended a formal invitation to the United Progressive Alliance chairperson in New Delhi. Ms Gandhi directed that the conference's programmes be speedily given final shape, a release said here.

The two leaders discussed this state's development and public interest-related issues. Ms Devi expressed gratitude over the Tribal Land Rights Bill being passed by Parliament.

The visiting leader apprised the Congress supremo of Madhya Pradesh's ''deteriorating'' law and order situation and ''irregularities'' in a development scheme.

''In tribal areas, liquor contractors are levelling fabricated charges about adivasis manufacturing and selling liquor. A liquor shop contractor crushed a tribal youth under a jeep in Chhindwara district. The liquor policy in tribal areas could be reviewed by the Centre, which should speedily intervene towards ending the contract system,'' Ms Devi felt.

She urged that more urea be supplied to the state and a system be put in place whereby federal officers would monitor its distribution.

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